President William Ruto has praised Kenyan athletes Sharon Lokedi and John Korir after their outstanding performances at the 2025 Boston Marathon held on Monday, April 21, 2025
Lokedi made history by winning the women’s race and setting a new course record, while Korir claimed victory in the men’s category with the second-fastest time ever recorded in the event’s 129-year history.
In a statement shared on his X account, President Ruto commended the athletes for their achievements, calling them a source of pride for the nation and the global athletics community.
“Well done, John Korir, for your remarkable victory at the 2025 Boston Marathon. Your triumph in the second-fastest winning time in the race’s 129-year history is a historic milestone in world athletics. Your performance demonstrated the resilience, determination, and spirit that define champions,” he wrote.
Ruto also recognised Cybrian Kotut, who finished third in the men’s race, and praised Sharon Lokedi for her record-breaking run in the women’s race.
“Bravo, Cyprian Kotut, for securing third position and proudly flying the Kenyan flag high. Congratulations, Sharon Lokedi, for winning the women’s race and setting a new course record. This is not only a personal triumph but a moment of pride for the entire athletics community and our nation,” he added.
He further congratulated Hellen Obiri for finishing second and strengthening Kenya’s global reputation in long-distance running.
“Well done to Hellen Obiri for finishing second and cementing Kenya’s stature as a global athletics powerhouse. We salute you all for representing Kenya and for always being our finest ambassadors,” the president said.
Victory
It was indeed a good day for Kenya, as both the men’s and women’s races saw dominant performances by Kenyan athletes.
Sharon Lokedi crossed the finish line in 2:17:22, breaking a course record that had stood for 11 years. Her time was two minutes and 37 seconds faster than the previous best. She was followed closely by Hellen Obiri, a two-time Boston champion, who finished in 2:17:41. Ethiopia’s Yalemzerf Yehualaw came in third, posting a time of 2:18:06.
The women’s race started with a strong group of 15 elite athletes, including Lokedi, Obiri, Yehualaw, reigning world champion Amane Beriso, and Irine Cheptai. By the 10km mark, the group was still tightly packed, clocking 32:51. However, the competition intensified at the halfway point, and only four runners remained in the lead group: Lokedi, Obiri, Yehualaw, and Beriso.
In the final stretch, Lokedi and Obiri battled fiercely for the top spot, with Lokedi managing to edge out her compatriot and secure the win.
Meanwhile, the men’s race was equally dramatic. John Korir overcame a fall at the beginning of the race, during which he lost his bib, but showed incredible focus and strength to recover and take control of the race.
The race began with a fast pace, as the leading group of runners hit the 10km mark in 28:52, suggesting a potential record-breaking run. By the halfway point, the field had thinned to 16 athletes.
With just over a mile left, Korir surged forward, drawing on the legacy of his brother, Wesley Korir, who won the Boston Marathon 13 years ago. Korir crossed the finish line in 2:04:45, securing a memorable win.
Tanzania’s Alphonce Felix Simbu came in second with a time of 2:05:04, followed closely by Kenya’s Cybrian Kotut, who posted the same time.