Running News Daily

Dakotah Popehn’s Olympic Rise and Relentless Pursuit of Excellence

After stepping away from professional running just six months into her career in 2021, Dakotah Popehn could have quietly faded from the elite distance running scene. Instead, she returned with purpose, grit, and speed—earning a spot on the U.S. Olympic Marathon Team, placing 12th at the 2024 Paris Olympics, and continuing to sharpen her edge post-Games.

Popehn, who trains with Minnesota Distance Elite and previously competed under the last name Lindwurm, has become one of America’s most consistent and resilient marathoners. Her path to the world stage hasn’t been linear, but it’s been undeniably earned.

From Patent Law to the Podium

In 2021, Popehn hit pause on professional running and worked as a paralegal in patent law. But the fire didn’t go out. In February 2024, she toed the line at the U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials in Orlando, where she finished third in 2:25:31, securing one of only three coveted spots on the U.S. women’s Olympic team.

Top American in Paris

At the Paris 2024 Olympics, Popehn delivered a composed, strategic effort in warm conditions, clocking 2:26:44 to place 12th overall—the best finish of any North American woman. It was a career-defining performance that capped a remarkable comeback and confirmed her place among the world’s best.

Still Getting Faster

Popehn didn’t stop after the Olympics. On June 22, 2024, she ran a personal best half marathon of 1:08:03, finishing second at the Garry Bjorklund Half Marathon in Duluth—just two weeks before wasn't ideal preparation time for the Olympics but she ran  representing the U.S. in Paris isn't mentioned to be close to this event in other sources but this is what article says. Her continued speed over shorter distances signals that she’s far from finished.

Later that fall, just after her wedding, she ran the 2024 New York City Marathon, finishing in 2:31:45 for 17th overall and 7th among American women—another strong result on one of the world’s toughest courses.

The Life of a True Pro

Popehn’s days revolve around training, recovery, and focus. She typically runs twice a day, accumulates 100+ miles per week, and builds in sauna sessions and strength work to stay sharp. Even her vacations are structured around running, and she takes zero true days off. “Every decision,” she says, “has to support the goal.”

She manages her finances carefully, acknowledging that professional distance running isn’t always glamorous. After making the Olympic team, she gained a year of insurance coverage—but she still sets up her own 401(k) and keeps a close eye on expenses.

A Grit-Fueled Mindset

Popehn credits her Midwestern upbringing for her toughness: “I know I can do hard things because I survived 30 winters,” she jokes. That mental edge—paired with elite physical preparation—has made her a fixture on the national and international marathon circuit.

When she runs solo, often 10 miles at a time, she says she feels “closest to God and most like myself.” That clarity and purpose fuel every mile.

What’s Next?

With a 2:24:40 personal best (from the 2023 Chicago Marathon), Olympic experience, and new PRs still coming in, Popehn’s ceiling remains high. Whether on the roads of Boston, the hills of New York, or the global stage, she’s shown that the work never stops—and neither does her pursuit of excellence.

(06/29/2025) Views: 177 ⚡AMP
by Boris Baron

A Day for the History Books: Korir and Lokedi Shine at the 2025 Boston Marathon

The 129th edition of the Boston Marathon, held Monday, April 21, 2025, delivered unforgettable drama and record-setting performances on the iconic route from Hopkinton to Boylston Street. Under near-perfect running conditions—mid-50s temperatures, low humidity, and a light tailwind—elite runners took full advantage, producing some of the fastest times in race history.

John Korir Claims His Crown and Continues a Family Legacy

Kenya’s John Korir won the men’s race in a sensational 2:04:45, the second-fastest time ever run on the Boston course. The younger brother of 2012 Boston champion Wesley Korir, John added another chapter to his family’s Boston legacy by not only conquering the challenging course but doing so in dominant fashion.

Despite a minor fall early in the race, Korir surged away from a deep international field after 20 miles, building a gap that no one could close. His finishing time was just over a minute shy of Geoffrey Mutai’s legendary 2:03:02 from 2011—the fastest time ever run in Boston but not eligible as a world record due to the course layout.

“I knew I was ready for something big,” Korir said post-race. “To follow in my brother’s footsteps and win Boston means everything.”

American hopes were high coming into the race, and Conner Mantz did not disappoint. Running a massive personal best of 2:05:08, he placed fourth overall and became the second-fastest American ever on the Boston course, behind only Ryan Hall’s 2:04:58 (set in 2011).

Sharon Lokedi Breaks the Tape—and the Record

The women’s race was equally historic. Sharon Lokedi, who won the 2022 New York City Marathon, delivered the performance of her life to win in 2:17:22, a new Boston Marathon course record, smashing the previous mark of 2:19:59 set by Buzunesh Deba in 2014.

Lokedi ran a smart, strategic race. She stayed tucked in a lead pack through the Newton Hills and then launched a powerful surge at mile 24, dropping two-time Boston champion Hellen Obiri and the rest of the field. Obiri finished second in a personal best 2:18:10, making it a Kenyan 1-2 sweep on the women’s podium.

“This course is tough, but I felt strong the whole way,” Lokedi said. “To run a course record here—it’s just unbelievable.”

Top 10 Elite Men – 2025 Boston Marathon

1. John Korir (Kenya) – 2:04:45

2. Alphonce Simbu (Tanzania) – 2:05:04

3. Cybrian Kotut (Kenya) – 2:05:04

4. Conner Mantz (USA) – 2:05:08

5. Muktar Edris (Ethiopia) – 2:05:59

6. Rory Linkletter (Canada) – 2:07:02

7. Clayton Young (USA) – 2:07:04

8. Tebello Ramakongoana (Lesotho) – 2:07:19

9. Daniel Mateiko (Kenya) – 2:07:52

10. Ryan Ford (USA) – 2:08:00

Top 10 Elite Women – 2025 Boston Marathon

1. Sharon Lokedi (Kenya) – 2:17:22 (Course Record)

2. Hellen Obiri (Kenya) – 2:17:41

3. Yalemzerf Yehualaw (Ethiopia) – 2:18:06

4. Irine Cheptai (Kenya) – 2:21:32

5. Amane Beriso (Ethiopia) – 2:21:58

6. Calli Thackery (Great Britain) – 2:22:38

7. Jess McClain (USA) – 2:22:43

8. Annie Frisbie (USA) – 2:23:21

9. Stacy Ndiwa (Kenya) – 2:23:29

10. Tsige Haileslase (Ethiopia) – 2:23:43 

Notable American Performances

• Emma Bates finished 13th with a time of 2:25:10.

• Dakotah Popehn secured 16th place in 2:26:09.

• Des Linden completed her 28th and final professional marathon, finishing 17th in 2:26:19.

• Sara Hall placed 18th with a time of 2:26:32. 

Looking Ahead

The 2025 Boston Marathon reaffirmed its place as one of the world’s premier races—not just for its history and prestige, but for its ability to showcase incredible athletic achievement. With deep American performances and Kenyan dominance at the front, it sets the stage for an exciting year. 

For fans, runners, and historians, this year’s Boston will go down as one of the most memorable ever.

My Best Runs

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(04/21/2025) Views: 336 ⚡AMP
by Boris Baron

American Stars Ready to Shine at the 2025 Boston Marathon

The 129th Boston Marathon, set for Monday, April 21, 2025, promises to be a historic showdown between international champions and a formidable field of elite American runners. With defending champions Hellen Obiri and Sisay Lemma returning to defend their titles, the depth of competition will be among the strongest in recent memory.

Elite American Men

• Conner Mantz – PB: 2:07:47

Mantz enters Boston as one of the top American hopes, fresh off an 8th-place finish at the Paris Olympics and 6th in New York City.

• Clayton Young – PB: 2:08:00

Training alongside Mantz, Young placed 9th in Paris and 7th in NYC, and continues to close the gap with the world’s best.

• CJ Albertson – PB: 2:08:17

Known for his fearless tactics and high mileage, Albertson ran his personal best at the 2024 Chicago Marathon.

• Zach Panning – PB: 2:09:16

The 5th-place finisher at the U.S. Olympic Trials, Panning brings aggressive racing and consistent progress to Boston.

• Colin Bennie – PB: 2:09:38

The Massachusetts native and 2021 top American finisher returns with home course advantage and renewed focus.

Elite American Women

• Keira D’Amato – PB: 2:19:12

The former American record holder returns from injury with momentum and the experience to contend.

• Emma Bates – PB: 2:22:10

Bates was the top American at the 2024 Boston Marathon and continues to improve with every outing.

• Sara Hall – PB: 2:20:32

One of the most experienced American marathoners, Hall posted a 2:23:45 in Berlin last fall.

• Desiree Linden – PB: 2:22:38

The 2018 Boston champion returns for her 12th Boston start, a fan favorite with unmatched experience.

• Dakotah Popehn – PB: 2:24:40

Popehn was the top American finisher at the Paris Olympics and brings strong international credentials.

• Jess McClain – PB: 2:25:46

McClain placed fourth at the U.S. Trials and will be making her Boston debut as a rising star.

International Elite Field

Men’s Division:

• Sisay Lemma (ETH) – PB: 2:01:48

The defending champion and one of the fastest marathoners in history, Lemma seeks to repeat in Boston.

• John Korir (KEN) – PB: 2:02:44

The 2024 Chicago Marathon champion is a serious threat in any race he enters.

• Evans Chebet (KEN) – PB: 2:03:00

Boston champion in 2022 and 2023, Chebet looks to reclaim his title and join the three-time winners’ club.

Women’s Division:

• Amane Beriso (ETH) – PB: 2:14:58

The fifth-fastest woman in history is making her Boston debut.

• Yalemzerf Yehualaw (ETH) – PB: 2:16:52

Still just 25, Yehualaw adds tremendous firepower to the field.

• Hellen Obiri (KEN) – PB: 2:21:38

The two-time defending champion is chasing history with a potential third straight victory on Boylston Street.

Race Day Details

• Date: Monday, April 21, 2025

• Start Times:

• Wheelchair Division – 9:02 AM

• Handcycle & Duo Participants – 9:05 AM

• Elite Women – 9:32 AM

• Elite Men & Wave 1 – 10:00 AM

• Wave 2 – 10:25 AM

• Wave 3 – 10:50 AM

• Wave 4 – 11:15 AM

• Tracking & Coverage: Available through the B.A.A. Racing App with live updates, leaderboards, and interactive course maps.

“I’ve run over a thousand races in my life, and nothing compares to Boston,” says My Best Runs editor Bob Anderson. “When I ran 3:32:17 here at age 65, I felt like a rock star the entire way. The crowd was unbelievable—cheering, encouraging, lifting every runner forward. Boston isn’t just about the elites—it’s about the thousands of others out there chasing their dreams on the same course.”

With a deep American field and some of the fastest runners on the planet, the 2025 Boston Marathon is shaping up to be one of the most competitive in history. Whether it’s a breakout run or a hard-fought defense, fans can expect something unforgettable from this year’s race.

(04/14/2025) Views: 371 ⚡AMP
by Boris Baron

Hellen Obiri of Kenya will return to the Boston Marathon in April and attempt to win for the third time in a row.

In the race’s history, only four other women (Bobbi Gibb, Sara Mae Berman, Uta Pippig, and Fatuma Roba) have won three times a row, according to race organizers, who released the elite field today. The race is set for April 21.

Last year, Obiri broke the race open by covering the 24th mile in 4:41 and won in 2:22:37, 8 seconds ahead of her countrywoman Sharon Lokedi, who will also return to Boston. 

Obiri, 35, trains in Boulder, Colorado, with the On Athletics Club, and she has been on the podium in five of the six marathons she has run. In addition to her two Boston titles, she won the New York City Marathon in 2023, finished second there in 2024, and won the Olympic bronze medal in Paris. (The only blemish on her marathon record was her sixth-place finish at her debut in New York in 2022.) 

Obiri and Lokedi will be challenged by Amane Beriso and Yalemzerf Yehualaw of Ethiopia. Beriso has a personal best of 2:14:58 from the Valencia Marathon in 2022. She’s currently the fifth-fastest woman of all time. 

Sisay Lemma of Ethiopia, the defending men’s champion, will also return to Boston. Lemma’s 2:01:48 from Valencia in 2023 makes him the fourth-fastest man in history. 

Last year in Boston, Lemma got out to a large early lead, and the course record seemed almost certain to fall. But by the Newton hills, Lemma was feeling his hot early pace and slowed considerably. He held on to win in 2:06:17.

His challengers at the 2025 race will include Evans Chebet of Kenya, who has won the race twice (2022 and 2023) and was third in 2024. John Korir of Kenya, who won the 2024 Chicago Marathon in a fast 2:02:44, will also be back to race in Boston. He was fourth last year. 

A Strong American Field 

Many top Americans are entered into Boston. On the women’s side, they include Keira D’Amato, who briefly held the American record of 2:19:12 in 2022, and Sara Hall, who had a strong race at last fall’s Berlin Marathon, where she ran 2:23:45. She’ll turn 42 the week before the race. 

D’Amato told Runner’s World in a text message that she is recovering from the injury in her left foot—stress reactions in her calcaneus and talus—that caused her to drop out of Chicago. “Hoping all the cross training has made me Boston Strong,” she wrote. “I’m building up conservatively to have a killer 2025.”

Olympians Dakotah Popehn and Des Lindenwill run (Linden for the 12th time), as will Emma Bates, the top American at Boston last year, Olympic Marathon Trials fourth-place finisher Jess McClain, and notables Sara Vaughn, Kellyn Taylor, and Lindsay Flanagan. 

On the men’s side, Olympians and training partners Conner Mantz and Clayton Young, who finished eighth and ninth at the Games, respectively, will run Boston. They’ll be joined by CJ Albertson, who runs several fast marathons each year (five in 2024, including his PR of 2:08:17 in Chicago) and Zach Panning, who was fifth at the Olympic Marathon Trials.

(01/09/2025) Views: 421 ⚡AMP
by Runner’s World