Obiri wants to “three-peat” at the Boston Marathon, and Lemma will defend the men’s crown

The Boston Athletic Association announced on Wednesday that Ethiopian Sisay Lemma will defend his championship in a fast men’s division, while Kenyan Hellen Obiri will aim for a third consecutive Boston Marathon victory in April.

Since making her marathon debut in 2022, 35-year-old Obiri has dominated the distance event. She won the New York marathon in 2023, two Boston crowns, and the bronze in Paris last year.

“Defending a win is never easy, and to win the Boston Marathon twice in a row was hard, but I am happy to have done it,” Obiri stated in a statement. “On race day I will again push for the win and hope to make it three in a row.”

Other former winners, such as American Des Linden and Kenyan Edna Kiplagat, who won twice, will also start with her.

With a lifetime best time of 2:01:48, Lemma leads the men’s field and will face a strong Kenyan field that includes Chicago champion John Korir and two-time winner Evans Chebet.

Lemma, who was injured and missed the Paris Games, stated, “I was very happy after winning the Boston Marathon last year, and I know it will be an even bigger challenge to win again in 2025.”

“I was not completely ready at the Valencia Marathon last December, but I will be 100% ready next April because the Boston Marathon is a special event.”

The Boston Marathon will run for the 129th time on Monday, April 21, 2025.