Kenya’s Sharon Lokedi and Joh Korir win the Boston Marathon
Kenyans on Monday continued the country’s renowned prowess in distance running by winning the Boston Marathon in both the male and women races.
Sharon Lokedi won the women’s race in a record-breaking fashion, clocking 2:17:22, while John Korir took the honours in the men’s race in a time of 2:04:45.
Korir’s time becomes the third fastest time ever in Boston Marathon.
Hellen Obiri came second in 2:17:41 making it a 1-2 Kenyan finish in the women’s race while Cyprian Kotut secured third position in the male’s race.
Kotut tied in second place with Tanzanian runner Alphonce Felix Simbu in a time of 2:05:04, while American Conner Mantz turned in his best performance at the Boston Marathon, finishing fourth with a time of 2:05:08.
Korir hung with the pack throughout most of the race, but a late surge pushed him way ahead of the other runners down the stretch.
His victory replicated his elder brother Wesley Korir’s triumph on the same course in 2012, where he clocked 2:12:40 to win the race.
Kenya’s twin victories were celebrated back home by all and sundry, with President William Ruto taking lead.
“We salute you all for representing Kenya and for always being our finest ambassadors,” the President said.
He noted that Korir’s triumph in the second-fastest winning time in the race’s 129-year history, is a historic milestone in world athletics.
“Your performance demonstrated the resilience, determination, and spirit that define champions,” he said.
This is not only a personal triumph but a moment of pride for the entire athletics community and our nation.
Well done to Hellen Obiri for finishing second and cementing Kenya’s stature as a global athletics powerhouse,” added the President.
Former Public Service CS Justin Muturi also chipped in: “You have all done Kenya proud. Asanteni for carrying our flag with honour, excellence, and unmatched grace.”