Star Athletes Announced for Boston Marathon 2025

January 11, 2025
By Matteo

The Boston Marathon 2025 promises excitement with a star-studded lineup of elite athletes, including returning champions and top contenders.

Hellen Obiri Eyes Historic Third Consecutive Win

Kenya’s Hellen Obiri will return to the Boston Marathon on April 21, 2025, aiming to secure her third consecutive victory.

Only four women in Boston Marathon history—Bobbi Gibb, Sara Mae Berman, Uta Pippig, and Fatuma Roba—have achieved this remarkable feat.

Last year, Obiri stunned spectators by accelerating in the 24th mile with a 4:41 split, ultimately crossing the finish line in 2:22:37, just 8 seconds ahead of her compatriot Sharon Lokedi.

Obiri, a two-time Boston winner, also boasts victories at the 2023 New York City Marathon and an Olympic bronze medal in Paris.

Obiri will face stiff competition from Ethiopia’s Amane Beriso, who holds a personal best of 2:14:58, the fifth-fastest time in women’s marathon history, and Yalemzerf Yehualaw. Lokedi, last year’s runner-up, will also return to challenge Obiri for the title.

Men’s Field: Defending Champion Sisay Lemma Returns

Defending men’s champion Sisay Lemma of Ethiopia will aim to repeat his 2024 success. With a personal best of 2:01:48 from Valencia 2023, Lemma is the fourth-fastest marathoner in history.

His challengers include two-time Boston winner Evans Chebet of Kenya, who finished third in 2024, and John Korir, who recently claimed victory at the Chicago Marathon with an impressive 2:02:44.

The stacked field promises intense competition as the athletes tackle Boston’s iconic course.

Strong American Contenders

The American field is equally impressive, with some of the nation’s top athletes ready to make their mark.

Women’s Field

  • Keira D’Amato: Former American record-holder (2:19:12) recovering from a foot injury.
  • Sara Hall: Fresh off a strong Berlin Marathon performance, running 2:23:45.
  • Des Linden: Boston veteran returning for her 12th race.
  • Emma Bates: The top American finisher in Boston last year.
  • Other Notables: Olympians Dakotah Popehn and Jess McClain, along with Sara Vaughn, Kellyn Taylor, and Lindsay Flanagan.

Men’s Field

  • Conner Mantz and Clayton Young: Olympians and training partners aiming for strong performances.
  • CJ Albertson: Known for his prolific marathon schedule and personal best of 2:08:17 in Chicago.
  • Zach Panning: Fifth-place finisher at the Olympic Marathon Trials.

The complete elite field can be found here.

What to Expect

The Boston Marathon is renowned for its challenging course and electric atmosphere, and the 2025 edition is shaping up to be one of the most competitive yet.

With a lineup featuring seasoned champions and rising stars, fans can expect record-breaking paces, thrilling rivalries, and inspiring stories of perseverance.

Conclusion

The 2025 Boston Marathon promises to deliver unforgettable moments, showcasing the world’s best marathoners on one of the sport’s most iconic stages.

Whether you’re cheering on the sidelines or following the action from afar, this year’s race is one to watch.