Kenyan duo John Korir and Sharon Lokedi successfully defended their men’s and women’s titles at the Boston Marathon with commanding performances today Monday, to win $150,000 (about Shs 555 million).
Korir led a strong Kenyan showing in the men’s race, pulling away decisively in the latter stages to claim victory in 2:01:52, breaking the long-standing course record of 2:03:02 set in 2011.
Tanzania’s Alphonce Simbu finished second in 2:02:47, while Kenya’s Benson Kipruto completed the podium in 2:02:50. The decisive move came around the famed Heartbreak Hill, where Korir surged clear of the chasing pack to seal back-to-back victories in emphatic fashion.
In the women’s race, Lokedi produced an equally dominant display. She took control from the Newton Hills and steadily extended her lead before crossing the finish line in 2:18:51.
She was followed by a strong Kenyan contingent, with Loice Chemnung finishing second in 2:19:35, Mary Ngugi-Cooper third in 2:20:07, and Mercy Chelangat fourth in 2:20:30.
The victories mark a historic achievement, as it is the first time since 1996 that both the men’s and women’s champions have successfully defended their Boston Marathon titles.
Leading results
Women
1 Sharon Lokedi (KEN) 2:18:51
2 Loice Chemnung (KEN) 2:19:35
3 Mary Ngugi-Cooper (KEN) 2:20:07
4 Mercy Chelangat (KEN) 2:20:30
5 Jess McClain (USA) 2:20:49
6 Irine Cheptai (KEN) 2:20:54
7 Workenesh Edesa (ETH) 2:21:52
8 Annie Frisbie (USA) 2:22:00
9 Emily Sisson (USA) 2:22:39
10 Carrie Ellwood (USA) 2:22:53
11 Bedatu Hirpa (ETH) 2:23:58
12 Dakotah Popehn (USA) 2:24:04
13 Elena Hayday (USA) 2:24:45
14 Kodi Kleven (USA) 2:24:48
15 Amanda Vestri (USA) 2:24:49
16 Isobel Batt-Doyle (AUS) 2:25:06
Men
1 John Korir (KEN) 2:01:52
2 Alphonce Simbu (TAN) 2:02:47
3 Benson Kipruto (KEN) 2:02:50
4 Hailemariam Kiros (ETH) 2:03:42
5 Zouhair Talbi (USA) 2:03:45
6 Tebello Ramakongoana (LES) 2:04:18
7 Charles Hicks (USA) 2:04:35
8 Richard Ringer (GER) 2:04:47
9 Alex Masai (KEN) 2:05:32
10 Milkesa Mengesha (ETH) 2:05:35
11 Clayton Young (USA) 2:05:41
12 Ryan Ford (USA) 2:05:46
13 Joe Klecker (USA) 2:05:56
14 Rory Linkletter (CAN) 2:06:04
15 Yemane Haileselassie (ERI) 2:06:06
16 Nicholas Kipkorir (KEN) 2:06:07
