Defending champion Hellen Obiri, the Olympic marathon bronze medallist, is set to make history by attempting to become the first woman to win three consecutive Boston Marathon titles. The 2023 and 2024 champion has signed up for this year’s race, scheduled for April 21, with the goal of cementing her place in marathon history. Obiri, renowned for being the only woman in history to have won world titles indoors, outdoors, and in cross country, is determined to defend her title, though she acknowledges the challenge ahead.
“Defending a win is never easy, and winning the Boston Marathon twice in a row was tough, but I’m happy to have done it,” said Obiri. “On race day, I will again push for the win and hope to make it three in a row.”
However, Obiri’s path to victory will not be without competition. She will face a strong field, including seven women with personal bests under 2:20. Among the top contenders is Amane Beriso, the 2023 world champion and runner-up in the Boston Marathon last year, with a personal best of 2:14:58, the fastest in the field. Also joining the race is Yalemzerf Yehualaw, the 2022 London Marathon champion, who will be a formidable rival.
In addition to the Ethiopian duo, Obiri will compete against a number of talented Kenyan athletes, including two-time Boston winner Edna Kiplagat, 2022 New York Marathon champion Sharon Lokedi, Hamburg Marathon champion Irene Cheptai, and 2012 Boston Marathon winner Sharon Cherop. These athletes bring considerable experience and speed to the race, further intensifying the competition.
The American contingent will also have a strong presence in the race, led by former North American record-holder Keira D’Amato. D’Amato, along with Emma Bates, Sara Vaughn, Lindsay Flanagan, and Sara Hall, will represent the U.S. in what promises to be a highly competitive women’s field. The 2018 Boston Marathon champion, Desiree Linden, will also be on the start line, adding further depth to the American challenge.
As the race approaches, Obiri is determined to continue her winning streak, but she will need to overcome a host of talented athletes vying for the title. The Boston Marathon, known for its challenging course and unpredictable weather, always provides a tough test for the world’s best marathoners. Obiri’s resilience and experience will be put to the test, but her ambition to achieve a third consecutive victory will drive her as she prepares for one of the most competitive marathons of the year.
