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Hellen Obiri’s Pursuit of a Historic Three-Peat at the Boston Marathon

As the 2025 Boston Marathon approaches on April 21, Kenya’s Hellen Obiri stands on the brink of making history. With victories in 2023 and 2024, Obiri aims to secure her third consecutive win, a feat that would place her among an elite group of women who have achieved a “three-peat” at Boston.

From Track Star to Marathon Champion

Born on December 13, 1989, in Kisii, Kenya, Hellen Obiri began her athletic career specializing in middle- and long-distance track events. She is the only woman to have won world titles in indoor track, outdoor track, and cross country. Obiri is a two-time Olympic silver medalist in the 5,000 meters (2016 Rio and 2020 Tokyo) and has multiple World Championship medals to her name.

In 2022, Obiri transitioned to road racing, making an immediate impact by winning the 2023 Boston Marathon in her second marathon attempt. She defended her title in 2024, showcasing her versatility and endurance.

The Exclusive Club of Boston Marathon Three-Peaters

Achieving three consecutive victories at the Boston Marathon is a rare accomplishment. In the women’s open division, only four athletes have done so:

• Bobbi Gibb (1966–1968)

• Sara Mae Berman (1969–1971)

• Uta Pippig (1994–1996)

• Fatuma Roba (1997–1999)

Obiri’s potential third win would make her the fifth woman to join this distinguished group.

Aiming for Glory on Patriots’ Day

Obiri’s pursuit of a third consecutive Boston Marathon title is not just a personal milestone but also a significant moment in the event’s storied history. Her consistent performances and rapid ascent in marathon running underscore her determination and athletic prowess. As she prepares for the 2025 race, Obiri stands on the cusp of joining the legends of the Boston Marathon.

The  legends:

Bobbi Gibb (1966–1968)

In 1966, Bobbi Gibb became the first woman to run and complete the Boston Marathon, doing so unofficially as women were not allowed to officially compete at the time. She repeated her unofficial victories in 1967 and 1968. Gibb’s pioneering efforts challenged prevailing gender norms and paved the way for the inclusion of women in long-distance running events.  

Sara Mae Berman (1969–1971)

Sara Mae Berman was the first woman to cross the finish line at the Boston Marathon for three consecutive years from 1969 to 1971, during a time when women were still not officially recognized in the race. Her victories were instrumental in advocating for the official inclusion of women in the marathon, which was realized in 1972.  

Uta Pippig (1994–1996)

German runner Uta Pippig achieved three consecutive official victories at the Boston Marathon from 1994 to 1996. Her 1994 win set a then-course record of 2:21:45. Pippig’s 1996 victory was particularly notable as she overcame significant physical challenges during the race, demonstrating remarkable resilience and determination.  

Fatuma Roba (1997–1999)

Ethiopia’s Fatuma Roba secured three consecutive Boston Marathon titles from 1997 to 1999, becoming the first African woman to win the event. Her victories followed her gold medal performance in the marathon at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics, solidifying her status as one of the premier long-distance runners of her time.  

(04/15/2025) Views: 216 ⚡AMP
by Boris Baron