Kenyan marathoner Hellen Obiri is chasing a third straight Boston title, aiming to match legend Fatuma Roba’s historic three-peat.
The two-time World 5000m champion shocked the world by winning Boston 2023, just her second-ever marathon appearance. After defending her title in 2024, Obiri now eyes a third win in 2025, feeling stronger and more confident.
Obiri moved her training from the U.S. to Kenya after snow hindered her preparations.
“It has been a really tough but fruitful journey preparing for Boston back at home, and now I feel fully ready for the task ahead,” Obiri told Telecom Asia.
“I have done a lot of work on endurance and speed and now with a few days to go, my focus will be on getting mentally ready to do well. It will be tough with such strong competition, but I’m confident, focused, and trust the hard work I’ve invested.”
The 2025 Boston Marathon features an elite women’s lineup packed with seasoned contenders and rising stars. Chief among them is Sharon Lokedi, who recently stormed to victory at the 2025 New York City Half Marathon. Lokedi is hungry for redemption and has the form to push Obiri to the limit.
Reigning world champion Amane Beriso of Ethiopia raises the stakes in this fierce contest. Also in contention are Kenya’s Irine Cheptai and veteran Edna Kiplagat, a two-time winner familiar with Boston’s challenging course.
American hopes lie with Emma Bates and Keira D’Amato, the former record-holder, both determined to impress on home soil.
The women’s race will begin at exactly 4:37 PM East African Time on Monday, April 21. Viewers in East Africa can catch the action live on SuperSport TV, while American audiences can tune in on ESPN2 from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. EST, or stream the race live via ESPN+.