The Boston Marathon 2026 on Monday, April 20, saw historic wins as Kenya’s Sharon Lokedi won the women’s title with a timing of 2:17:22. The women’s champion ended the campaign of two-year reigning fellow compatriot Hellen Obiri. Lokedi is a 2022 New York City Marathon winner.
The Kenyan had previously edged out Obiri in 2025. She recorded a timing of 2:18:51 which was a minute ahead of runner-up Loice Chemnung (2:19:37). Mary Ngugi-Cooper rounded in the top three with 2:20:07.
Boston marked the second location of the World Marathon Majors series of 2026. Both the men’s and women’s races received competitive and prestigious international recognition.
Lokedi’s win marked her second consecutive victory in the prestigious USA event. In her recent interview she said, “I believe in consistency, and what works is what I’ve always been doing.”
Meanwhile, Kenya’s John Korir won the men’s elite race with a new course record of 2:01:52. Meanwhile, Tanzania’s Alphonce Felix Simbu finished second with 2:02:47, followed by Benson Kipruto, at 2:02:50 in the third spot.
Women’s elite race Winners List
Sharon Lokedi (Kenya) 2:18:51
Loice Chemnung (Kenya) 2:19:35
Mary Ngugi-Cooper (Kenya) 2:20:07
Mercy Chelangat (Kenya) 2:03:42
Jess McClain (USA) 2:20:49 (American course record)
Irine Cheptai (Kenya) 2:20:54
Workenesh Edesa (Ethopia) 2:21:52
Annie Frisbie (USA) 2:22:00
Emily Sisson (USA) 2:22:39
Carrie Ellwood (USA) 2:22:53
Men’s elite race Winners List
John Korir (Kenya) 2:01:52 (course record)
Alphonce Felix Simbu (Tazania) 2:02:47
Benson Kipruto (Kenya) 2:02:50
Hailemaryam Kiros (Ethopia) 2:03:42
Zouhair Talbi (USA) 2:03:45
Tebello Ramakongoana (Lesotho) 2:04:18
Charles Hicks (USA) 2:04:35
Richard Ringer (Germany) 2:04:47
Alex Masai (Kenya) 2:05:32
Milkesa Mengesha (Ethopia) 2:05:35
