Obiri to defend title in star-studded Boston Marathon field

Obiri clocked 2:21:38 to win last year’s race, setting her up for a World Marathon Majors double as she later claimed the New York City Marathon title in November.

A total of 19 women with personal bests under 2:23:00 will line up in Hopkinton aiming to earn the Open Division crown, including Olympians, World Marathon Majors winners, and national stars.

The in-form Obiri is set to open her 2024 season at the Houston Half Marathon on January 14 ahead of the Boston race with the 34-year-old highly expected to fly the Kenyan flag at the Paris Olympics in August.

“I am excited to return to the 2024 Boston Marathon to try to defend my title,” said Obiri. “Boston is an historic race and I would like to add my name further to its history on April 15. Winning such an historic marathon with my family waiting at the finish line was an amazing experience.”

Obiri will be joined by compatriots; two-time world silver medallist Judith Korir, two-time winner Edna Kiplagat, former New York City Marathon champion Sharon Lokedi, four-time top-ten finisher Mary Ngugi and Helah Kiprop.

The Kenyans will face off with Ethiopian rivals led by the 2019 champion Worknesh Degefa, world silver medallist Senbere Teferi and 2022 runner-up Ababel Yeshaneh among others.

Desiree Linden leads the American contingent six years after winning the 2018 title. Linden has finished in the top-five five times, and holds the third fastest time by an American ever on the Hopkinton-to-Boston route (2:22:38).

“The Boston Marathon is proud to showcase the world’s best athletes year in and year out on Patriots’ Day,” said Jack Fleming, President and CEO of the Boston Athletic Association. “This year’s women’s field is exceptionally fast and showcases many who’ve been podium finishers on the global stage. It’ll make for an exciting race from Hopkinton to Boston, and we look forward to crowning our champions on April 15.”