Ethiopian marathon star Sisay Lemma is gearing up to defend his title at the 2025 Boston Marathon, which will take place on April 21. Fresh off his thrilling victory in the 2024 edition, Lemma is eager to replicate his success and conquer the challenging course once again.
In 2024, Lemma outpaced a competitive field that included fellow Ethiopian Mohamed Esa and Kenyan marathon giants Evans Chebet and John Korir. Lemma’s winning time of 2:06:17 was a testament to his impressive form, but he knows that the competition will be even fiercer this year. Despite the challenges, Lemma is confident in his ability to defend his title.
“I was very happy after winning the Boston Marathon last year, and in 2025 I know it will be an even bigger challenge to win again,” Lemma acknowledged, highlighting the tough road ahead.
While the Boston Marathon holds a special place in Lemma’s heart, his 2024 season was marred by injury setbacks. After a disappointing debut at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, where he failed to finish, Lemma had hoped to redeem himself in Paris in 2024. However, injury prevented him from competing in the Olympics, further hindering his plans for a comeback. Additionally, he missed a podium finish at the Valencia Marathon that same December due to a lack of full fitness.
“I was unlucky, because of an injury, not to be able to participate at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, and I was not completely ready at the Valencia Marathon last December,” Lemma said, reflecting on a difficult year.
Now, with the Olympics behind him, Lemma has set his sights firmly on the Boston Marathon. He is determined to be in peak condition for the race, despite the setbacks of the previous year. “I will be 100% ready in April because the Boston Marathon is a special event,” he said, emphasizing the importance of the race in his career.
However, Lemma will face stiff competition in his bid to retain his title. Among the challengers is Kenyan marathon star Evans Chebet, who finished second in 2024 with a time of 2:07:22, just behind Lemma. Chebet, who has proven his endurance and speed on the Boston course, will be looking to outpace the Ethiopian this time around. Chebet is a seasoned competitor who has consistently delivered strong performances in major marathons, and he will be one of Lemma’s toughest opponents.
The Kenyan contingent at the 2025 Boston Marathon will be formidable, with John Korir, who finished fourth last year, and Cybrian Kotut, a rising star in the marathon world, also in the mix. Other notable Kenyan runners such as Daniel Mateiko, Abel Kipchumba, and Albert Korir will add to the depth of the competition, making the race even more unpredictable.
With such a strong field of contenders, Lemma’s journey toward a successful title defense will undoubtedly be one of the most exciting storylines of the 2025 marathon season. His focus and determination to perform at his best in April will be crucial, as he looks to solidify his legacy as one of the premier marathoners of his generation. As the countdown to the Boston Marathon begins, all eyes will be on Lemma and the fierce competition that lies ahead.
