Kenyan athletes John Korir and Sharon Lokedi will be seeking back-to-back victories at the 130th Boston Marathon.
Korir heads into the race in impressive form, having won his last three marathons, the 2024 Chicago Marathon, the 2025 Boston Marathon, and the 2025 Valencia Marathon, where he set a personal best of 2:02:24.
He will, however, face stiff competition from Tanzania’s Alphonce Simbu, who finished just 19 seconds behind him in Boston last year before going on to win gold at the World Championships in Tokyo.
Simbu returns to Boston in good shape, following strong performances in Kolkata and at the Burj2Burj Half Marathon. Kenya’s Cybrian Kotut, another close finisher in last year’s race, also returns, alongside Benson Kipruto, one of the standout names in the field.
Kipruto, a multiple major marathon winner, holds the fastest personal best among the entrants at 2:02:16.
“Boston holds a special place in my heart,” Kipruto said, recalling his 2021 victory and subsequent podium finishes.
Other notable contenders include Abdi Nageeye of the Netherlands, as well as Ethiopia’s Milkesa Mengesha, Hailemaryam Kiros, and Lemi Berhanu, all of whom have previously won World Marathon Majors.
In the women’s race, defending champion Lokedi returns after setting a course record of 2:17:22 last year. She will be challenged by fellow Kenyan Irine Cheptai, who boasts the fastest official personal best in the field, as well as Loice Chemnung.
Ethiopian contenders Workenesh Edesa and Bedatu Hirpa are also expected to mount strong challenges, while Kenya’s Mary Ngugi-Cooper brings consistent Boston Marathon experience, having finished in the top 10 five times.
The race will also feature a strong American contingent led by Emily Sisson, alongside several other elite runners. With a deep and competitive field, this year’s Boston Marathon is shaping up to be a closely contested race as Korir and Lokedi attempt to retain their titles.
