The 129th Boston Marathon provided a spectacular show on Monday, April 21, 2025. From historic victories to tearful goodbyes, Boston’s streets were abuzz with speedy feet and memories that would last a lifetime.
John Korir’s Daring Breakaway
Kenya’s John Korir stunned the pack with a dominating surge around Mile 20, opening up a gap and never losing it. Posting a time of 2:04:45, the 28-year-old won his first Boston title with ease. The win was not just another victory, it was family business. John became the first brother to follow in the footsteps of his elder brother, Wesley Korir, the 2012 Boston winner, into the marathon’s record books. Together, they made history as the first siblings to win Boston.
“I had promised him that I was going to win,” John declared after the race, grinning. And he fulfilled that promise in style.
Women’s Race Shatters the Record
In a similar stunning performance, Kenya’s Sharon Lokedi shattered the women’s course record. With a time of 2:17:22, Lokedi finished more than two minutes ahead of the old best. Her finishing kick left defending champion Hellen Obiri in her dust, who had to settle for second at 2:17:41. Ethiopia’s Yalemzerf Yehualaw took third place in 2:18:06.
No American woman has taken Boston since Des Linden in 2018, and that trend continues.
Wheelchair Winners Reign Supreme
The wheelchair races featured familiar faces at the top. Marcel Hug of Switzerland won his eighth Boston title, rolling to victory in 1:21:34. He was ahead by more than a minute at the midpoint and crossed more than four minutes before runner-up Daniel Romanchuk of the U.S.
In the women’s wheelchair race, American Susannah Scaroni powered through to the finish in 1:35:20. The 2024 Paralympic sensation now has two Boston titles in three years, solidifying her reputation as among the finest.
American Hope Conner Mantz Shines
Though the men’s podium was elusive for Team USA, Conner Mantz made a strong fourth-place showing at 2:05:08. Not a medal by any means, but it solidified Mantz’s position as America’s best male marathoner.
Drama Strikes as Defending Champ Drops Out
The day was not so generous to all. Fans were left surprised when Sisay Lemma who was the men’s champion of last year dropped out of the race before the 30K point. It was a surprise turn of events, particularly for a runner with a scorching personal best of 2:01:48. The Boston course, infamous for its brutal hills, had no mercy.
Des Linden Says Goodbye
One of the emotional moments of the day occurred before the race had even started. America’s darling 2018 Boston champion, Des Linden, revealed that it would be her last professional marathon. Linden after making a mark throughout his career has bid farewell to the distance on the streets where she once triumphed.
“Making it to race my last professional marathon in Boston is truly going out on top,” she posted on Instagram. Her supporters crowded Boylston Street for the last time to root her on.
Historic Fields, Tough Cuts
Qualifying for Boston is still ferociously competitive. Over 12,000 qualified runners were rejected this year, as only the quickest got in. For the 2026 race, qualifying standards will be even stricter, five minutes quicker than 2025 times.
Race Start Times and Route
The competition started in waves, with the men’s professional start at 9:37 a.m. and the women’s at 9:47 a.m. Wheelchair athletes started the action even sooner. The route, from Hopkinton to Boston, winds its way through quaint villages such as Wellesley and Newton before culminating at the iconic Boylston Street line.
A Touching Tribute
Mid-race, a tribute played in honor of Al Trautwig, veteran Boston Marathon broadcaster and sports media voice. Trautwig, who passed away in February, had been a regular in Olympic and marathon commentary for decades.
Where to Watch and Follow
Followers watched live on ESPN2 and ESPN+, while thousands followed runners online at BAA.org or via the Boston Marathon app.
A Marathon to Remember
The 2025 Boston Marathon had it all. It has record runs, teary goodbyes, sibling tales, and surprises. For world-class runners and ordinary runners like us, it was a race worth Boston’s legendary reputation.
And, as always, the crowd provided the heat, yet again showcasing why Boston is not only a race but it is a tradition.
