John Korir and Sharon Lokedi Triumph at 130th Boston Marathon
Kenyan athletes John Korir and Sharon Lokedi successfully defended their titles at the 130th edition of the Boston Marathon.
Korir set a new course record with a finishing time of two hours, one minute, and 52 seconds, securing his second consecutive victory at the event.
In the women's race, Lokedi also retained her championship, completing the marathon in two hours, 18 minutes, and 51 seconds.
At 29 years old, Korir improved upon the previous course record by one minute and ten seconds, surpassing the mark established by fellow Kenyan Geoffrey Mutai in 2011.
This latest achievement adds to Korir's recent successes, including wins at the 2024 Chicago Marathon and the Valencia Marathon in December.
"This year was a breeze for me because I had no problems at the start or at the finish," Korir, who overcame an early fall to win last year's race, stated. "It felt like a race back home with all the people cheering. It was in my mind to set the course record and I thank God that he fulfilled my wishes."
Korir's finishing time ranks as the fifth fastest marathon ever recorded.
Although Lokedi did not surpass her own course record of two hours, 17 minutes, and 22 seconds set last year, she finished 44 seconds ahead of second-place Kenyan Loice Chemnung.
"I just kept telling myself 'Be patient, be humble, you can do this'," Lokedi, winner of the 2022 New York Marathon, remarked. "And then I saw a little girl who said 'You got this ladies!' And it was so cute, and that was what I needed."
