Ethiopian stars ready to light up Boston Marathon as Sisay Lemma aims to defend his title

Addis Ababa, April 18, 2025 (FMC) — Ethiopia’s elite athletes are once again set to make a powerful impression at the prestigious Boston Marathon this Monday, with defending champion Sisay Lemma, world champion Amane Beriso, and a host of other top names ready to take on the historic course.
Sisay Lemma leads the Ethiopian charge in the men’s field.

The 2024 Boston Marathon winner enters as the fastest entrant, thanks to his remarkable 2:01:48 performance in Valencia in 2023 — the fourth-fastest time in marathon history.

“I was very happy after winning the Boston Marathon last year, and in 2025 I know it will be an even bigger challenge to win again,” Lemma said. “I was unlucky to miss the Paris Olympics due to injury, and I wasn’t fully ready for Valencia last December, but now I’m 100% focused on Boston. It’s a special race.”

Also representing Ethiopia is two-time Boston winner Lelisa Desisa, a seasoned competitor with a history of big-race brilliance.

He will be joined by Haymanot Alew, who finished third at the Berlin Marathon last year with a sub-2:04 time, adding further strength to the Ethiopian men’s contingent.

In the women’s race, Amane Beriso returns with a mission. The world champion and last year’s Boston runner-up is the fastest in the women’s field, boasting a personal best of 2:14:58 — one of the fastest times in history.

She will be joined by fellow Ethiopian Yalemzerf Yehualaw, the 2022 London Marathon champion, who is known for her aggressive racing style and potential to challenge any field. With Beriso and Yehualaw in top form, Ethiopia is well positioned to break Kenya’s recent winning streak in the women’s race.

While Kenya’s Hellen Obiri will be seeking a third consecutive Boston title, Ethiopia’s depth and experience make it a serious contender for both the men’s and women’s crowns. Former champions, world title holders, and young stars are all part of this year’s Ethiopian lineup — a testament to the country’s enduring dominance in long-distance running.

As race day approaches, Ethiopian fans will be watching closely, hopeful for another chapter of triumph on one of the sport’s most iconic stages.