Obiri Takes Hard-Earned Second in Boston Thriller

BOSTON, United States, April 21st, 2025 -Crossing the finish line in Boston in 2:17:41, Hellen Obiri claimed silver at the iconic race, finishing well within the old course record and running her fastest marathon.

Returning to Boston as the two-time defending champion, all eyes were on Obiri and whether she would do what only four women had before her: win three consecutive titles in Boston. Coming into the race, Obiri was confident and eager to make history, stating: “My mindset is to try my best to win and create history.” ​ 

Despite not having the fastest marathon PB, Obiri was amongst the favorites, given her recent victories and experience on the track and road. With no pacers allowed and a “quad killing” course with rolling hills, 389 meters of descent, and 248 meters of ascent, a unique running skillset would be required to emerge victorious. 

As expected, Obiri sat with the elite women’s pack throughout the race. An initial breakaway group of five established themselves around the halfway mark, taking the cruel course in their stride. The group was reduced to four about 10 kilometers later, with Obiri looking strong, alongside fellow Kenyan Sharon Lokedi, Amane Beriso (ETH), and Yalemzerf Yehualaw (ETH). With a mile to go, Lokedi and Obiri shook off Yehualaw and were locked in a battle for the title. Ahead of the final descent and ascent, Lokedi managed to build a 25-metre lead and ultimately win the title in a time of 2:17.20, setting a new Boston course record. Obiri followed 21 seconds later, well within the old Boston course record and knocking nearly four minutes off her previous PB, which stood at 02:21.38. ​ 

Speaking after her race, Obiri said:

“I came here to win, and while I didn’t quite manage to do that today, I’m still very happy with my performance. Three consecutive podiums in Boston is special, but it's going to hurt for a bit that I couldn’t defend my title here today. I want to congratulate Sharon Lokedi on her incredible race today.”

Obiri’s coach, Dathan Ritzenhein, watched and cheered on from the sidelines, embracing the Kenyan at the finish line:

“Three marathons in Boston, three podiums. What Hellen has achieved in her short marathon career so far is simply incredible and deserves to be celebrated. Hellen was already incredibly accomplished before she ever ran a marathon. Seeing how she has adapted to this discipline and using all she has learned from cross-country and the track is remarkable. I’m so proud to be her coach and have her on my team.”

Running Royalty

Obiri is one of the most decorated runners in history. Being the only female athlete to win a world title in cross country, and on the indoor and outdoor track. She is a two-time Olympic silver medalist in the 5000m distance and won the bronze medal in the marathon at the 2024 Olympic Games. Obiri moved to Boulder, Colorado, to train under Dathan Ritzenhein and as part of the On Athletic Club in 2022 before debuting in the marathon distance in New York. A race that was far from perfect, but prepared Obiri for an illustrious marathon career, including two titles in Boston and one in New York.

About On

On was born in the Swiss Alps in 2010 with the mission to ignite the human spirit through movement – a mission that still guides the brand today. Fifteen years after market launch, On delivers industry-disrupting innovation in premium footwear, apparel and accessories for high-performance running, outdoor, training, all-day activities and tennis. On’s award-winning CloudTec® and LightSpray™ innovation, purposeful design and groundbreaking strides within the circular economy have attracted a fast-growing global fan base – inspiring humans to explore, discover and Dream On.

On is present in more than 80 countries globally and engages with a digital community on www.on.com.