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Sharon Lokedi, who last year gave Obiri a run for her money, is back for another shot at the title, the US-based marathoner having chased down Obiri in a spirited 200-metre dash to the finish line

Partly sunny skies and cool highs welcomed runners to the 129^th edition of the Boston Marathon, New England’s most watched sports event, and the oldest marathon in the world. 

Some 32,080 runners have made it onto the year’s entry list for this Monday which tops the 29,685 from last year, illustrating the event’s popularity among both professional and recreational runners. 

The nerve centre of the marathon is the city of Boston, the third-largest city in the Northeastern United States and the largest biotechnology hub in the world.

Two time women’s champion Hellen Obiri, is one of the biggest names here. 

Obiri, is in a rare quest to bag a third time win, a major boost to her stellar career. She however remains philosophical. 

“This can be anyone’s race. We have a team of very talented women out here this year, none of them can be underrated,” the 35 year old exudes confidence ahead of Monday’s run. 

“I am well prepared. I trained adequately back home and the weather here looks quite good, so I’m looking forward to a great event,” adds Obiri. 

Sharon Lokedi, who in 2024 gave Obiri a run for her money, is back for another shot at the title.  

The US based marathoner, remembered here for chasing down Obiri in a spirited 200 meter dash to the finish last year. 

Lokedi paid tribute to Obiri, who she termed as “very competitive”. 

“I have certainly learnt a lot from last year’s race. I’m here to put my best foot forward and I just can’t wait to be out there,” she added.

She will be joined by other Kenyan Elites including Irene Cheptai (personal best 2:17:51), Edna Kiplagat (P.B 2:19:50) and Mary Ngugi (P.B 2:20:22). 

The Kenyans will be keen to ward off a strong challenge from perennial rivals Ethiopia, represented by among others, the Ethiopian pair of Amane Beriso (2:14:58) and Yalemzer Yehualaw (P.b 2:16:52). 

Interestingly, Paula Radcliffe, a former world record holder in the Women’s Marathon, will be among the top names here. 

Radcliffe, will be aiming to earn her Abbott World Marathon Majors Six Star Medal, given to runners who complete the Boston, Tokyo, London, Berlin, Chicago, and New York City marathons.

The men’s race will be as competitive. 

Last year’s winner, Evans Chebet (P.B 2:03:00) is back to defend his title. 

The two-time Boston champion will be keen to stay ahead of Ethiopia’s Sisay Lemma (P.B 2:01:48) who was too hot to handle as he cruised to victory last year. The soft-spoken Chebet lead John Korir (P.B 2:02:44) and CyBrian Kotut (P.b 2:03:22), Daniel Matieko (2:04:24) among others. 

The men’s race will be hotly contested this year, with the top crème in elite athletics turning up to set history in yet another edition of this race. 

Race day is expected to be warmer than last year, with temperatures will begin in around minus one to four degrees, Celcius, for the early morning. 

A light breeze will weep past Heartbreak Hill, cooling down Brookline and Boston in the afternoon with showers possible later in the afternoon as the last athletes cross the finish line.

The Boston Marathon attracts 500,000 spectators along the route, making it New England’s most viewed sporting event.  

Boston Mayor Michelle Wu on Friday welcomed runners and spectators into the city, while assuring security and public safety to all participants and spectators. The much awaited professional men’s race kicks off at 9:37 am (4:37pm Kenyan time).

Fast Facts for the 129^th Boston Marathon presented by Bank of America:

• 32,080 participants are entered; 30,000 expected to run on raceday;
• 18,168 Men, 13,697 Women, 76 Non-Binary Entrants;
• Residents of 128 Countries and All 50 U.S. States;
• Citizens of 129 Countries;
• 4,606 Massachusetts Residents Entered;
• 9,500+ Volunteers, including 1,600 Medical Volunteers;
• Goal of $50 million fundraised through the Bank of America Boston Marathon Official Charity Programme;
•  176 non-profits are part of the Bank of America Boston Marathon Official Charity Programme;
• 26 miles, 385 yards through 8 cities and towns;
• $1,214,500 Prize awards available across Open, Wheelchair, and Para Athletics Divisions (including $50,000 course record bonus for open and wheelchair athletes).

Course Records: 

• Men’s Open: Geoffrey Mutai (Kenya), 2:03:02, 2011;
• Women’s Open: Buzunesh Deba (Ethiopia), 2:19:59, 2014;
• Men’s Wheelchair: Marcel Hug (Switzerland), 1:15:33, 2024; 
• Women’s Wheelchair: Manuela Schär (Switzerland), 1:28:17, 2017.

Notable Entrants & Bib Numbers: 

• Paula Radcliffe, former world record holder in the Women’s Marathon – Bib 215 (numbered in honor of her World Record time of 2:15; aiming to earn her Abbott World Marathon Majors Six Star Medal);
• Amby Burfoot, 1968 Boston Marathon Champion – Bib 1968 (numbered in honor of his 1968 win);
• Brian Diemer, 1984 Olympic bronze medalist in the 3,000m steeplechase – Bib 1984 (numbered in honor of his 1984 race; will be running with his daughter McKenzie Pluymert);
• Scott Stallings, 3-time winner on the PGA Tour – Bib 29668;
• Alice Cook, Olympic Figure Skater – Bib 29737;
• Drew Carter, Boston Celtics Play-by-Play Announcer – Bib 32008;
• Matt James, TV star of the Bachelor – Bib 32541.

News & Notes: 

National Anthem: Joelle James, a Grammy Award Winner, multi-Platinum Artist Songwriter and Berklee College of Music graduate.

Flyover: Two F-15’s from the Unit 104 Fighter Wing out of Westfield, MA. They will fly from Hopkinton to Boston in approximately 4 minutes.

Grand Marshals: 1975 Boston Marathon Champions Bob Hall and Bill Rodgers. Celebrating their 50th anniversary of their victories, both will be driven the course in the all-new 2026 Honda Passport. 

Record Streaks: Mark Bauman (Michigan) and Patty Hung (California) will aim to complete their 56th and 39th consecutive Boston Marathons, respectively. By finishing, they’ll extend the longest consecutive finish streaks in Boston Marathon history for men’s and women’s athletes. 

Official Starters: 

• Men’s & Women’s Wheelchair Division: Dave Estrada, instrumental for many years in helping to grow the wheelchair field as part of our B.A.A. staff and Organizing Committee. 
• Handcycle & Dup Participants: Russ Hoyt, representing iconic Team Hoyt. Rick & Dick Hoyt completed more than 30 Boston Marathons.
• Professional Men: Mark Bauman of Michigan. Mark is aiming to finish his 56th consecutive Boston Marathon this year – the longest consecutive finish streak in race history. He’s wearing bib no. 16774.
• Professional Women: Patty Hung of California. Patty is aiming to finish her 39th consecutive Boston Marathon this year – the longest consecutive finish streak in race history. She’s wearing bib no. 16764.
• Para Athletics Division: Marla Runyan, an Olympian and Paralympian, who as a member of the B.A.A. staff helped establish prize money and awards as part of the Para Athletics Divisions at the Boston Marathon and B.A.A. Events. 
• Wave 1: Christina Whelton, a member of the distinguished Brown family. It has been tradition for more than 100 years that a member of the Brown family starts the Boston Marathon.
• Wave 2: Larry Murphy, a long-time member of the Boston Marathon Organizing Committee who helped coordinate transportation at the Boston Marathon for decades.
• Wave 3: Jean Cann, Head Coach of the Hopkinton Girls Track & Field team for the past 9 years and a member of the Hopkinton Marathon Committee for 11 years. 
• Wave 4: Pat O’Brien, retired Hopkinton Police Officer working his 43rd Boston Marathon. Pat is a retired basketball coach and referee, and member of the Friends of Hopkinton Committee. 

(Additional notes from BAA Boston Marathon; Photos: Douglas Maina, Gert Brienne)