The 2025 Boston Marathon wasn’t just fast—it was unforgettable.
One of those rare days when the sport of marathoning doesn’t just meet expectations, it obliterates them. It was a day of broken records, bold tactics, and a comeback story that practically begged for a movie deal. And it all started with a fall.
John Korir, a pre-race favorite, hit the pavement just minutes after the gun.
He lost his bib, scraped himself up, and for a split second, it looked like his race might be over before it even began. But instead, it became the beginning of one of the most remarkable victories Boston has ever seen.
A Fall, a Rise, and a Record-Chasing Field
Especially in the chaos of a world major. But what Korir did next was something else entirely.
The 28-year-old Kenyan shook off the stumble and channeled his frustration into focus.
He surged through the Newton Hills, hammering out 4:40-something miles like he’d never missed a step. By the time he hit Boylston Street, Korir had turned potential disaster into glory, winning in 2:04:45—the fastest Boston finish in over a decade.
“I had promised [my brother] that I was going to win,” Korir said. “I am the fastest in the family.”
It was a promise kept, and a new chapter written in the Korir family legacy. His older brother Wesley won Boston in 2012, and together they now stand alone as the race’s only sibling champions.
Sharon Lokedi Dismantles the Record Books
Meanwhile, Sharon Lokedi put on a masterclass of patience and grit.
She and Hellen Obiri traded surges like prizefighters for most of the race. Lokedi, who had been second to Obiri before, wasn’t willing to play understudy this time. With three miles to go, she shifted gears—throwing down a devastating 5:04 mile that finally broke her rival.
“I think we came through the half in 68, and I was like, ‘That’s so fast!’” Lokedi said. “But I just wanted to give it my best and fight to the end.”
Lokedi’s winning time of 2:17:22 smashed the previous course record by more than two minutes. Obiri and third-place Yalemzerf Yehualaw also ran under the old record, making this arguably the most stacked women’s podium Boston has ever seen.
The Fastest Boston Marathon of All Time
Numbers don’t lie, and the stats from this year are jaw-dropping:
- Top 15 men averaged 2:07:25
- Top 15 women averaged 2:22:34
- Seven men went sub-2:08
- Ten women went sub-2:24
That kind of depth is unprecedented in Boston. Yes, the weather helped. Yes, the shoes are next-level. But at the end of the day, it came down to racing—bold, relentless racing from the front. And that’s what Boston is supposed to be about.
Conner Mantz: Knocking on the Door of Greatness
Let’s talk about Conner Mantz. The guy ran like he belonged.
Mantz hung tough with the lead pack through Newton and was still throwing punches at the end. He crossed the line in 2:05:08, just three seconds out of third, and etched his name into the conversation of all-time great American marathoners.
“It’s only a matter of time before he’s contending for major wins,” said coach Ed Eyestone. “He’s not afraid to race.”
Mantz didn’t do it alone. His training partners Rory Linkletter and Clayton Young finished right behind him, giving American fans a glimpse of a future that looks a lot less lonely up front. It’s the most momentum we’ve seen on the men’s side since Meb’s win in 2014.
Des Linden’s Final Bow And A Love Letter to Boston
While the next generation was charging ahead, one of America’s most beloved marathoners was lacing up for the last time.
Des Linden—gritty, gracious, and forever Boston—announced this would be her final professional race. She did it in classic Des style: with a heartfelt full-page ad in the Boston Globe.
“Choosing to race my final professional marathon in Boston is indeed going out on top,” she wrote.
Linden didn’t need a podium finish to go out with dignity. Her 17th-place 2:26:19 capped a career built on toughness, not trophies. After the race, she shared the finish line with rising Americans Jess McClain (7th, 2:22:43), Annie Frisbie (8th, 2:23:21), and others—literally passing the baton.
“It’s time for something new,” she said. “I still love to run. That’s not going anywhere.”
Des is already eyeing the ultramarathon world. Wherever she goes next, Boston will always be part of her story—and vice versa.
Elite Men’s And Women’s 2025 Boston Marathon Top Ten
Elite Men
- John Korir – 2:04:45
- Alphonce Simbu – 2:05:04
- Cybrian Kotut – 20:05:04
- Conner Mantz – 2:05:08
- Muktar Edris – 2:05:59
- Rory Linkletter – 2:07:02
- Clayton Young – 2:07:04
- Tebello Ramakongoana – 2:07:19
- Daniel Mateiko – 2:07:52
- Ryan Ford – 2:08:00
Elite Women
- Sharon Lokedi – 2:17:22 (CR)
- Hellen Obiri – 2:17:41
- Yalemzerf Yehualaw – 2:18:06
- Irine Cheptai – 2:21:32
- Amane Berison – 2:21:58
- Calli Thackery – 2:22:38
- Jess McClain – 2:22:43
- Annie Frisbee – 2:23:21
- Stacy Ndiwa – 2:23:29
- Tsige Haileslase – 2:23:43
