The millions Hellen Obiri, Sharon Lokedi and co will bank after Boston heroics

Hellen Obiri after winning the 2024 Boston Marathon. Photo: Imago

The millions Hellen Obiri, Sharon Lokedi and co will bank after Boston heroics

Festus Chuma 06:00 - 16.04.2024

Kenya's Hellen Obiri successfully defended her Boston Marathon title, leading a Kenyan sweep of the top spots with significant earnings.

Kenya's Hellen Obiri will head to the bank smiling after a stunning performance at the Boston Marathon, where she not only defended her title but also led a Kenyan dominance in the prestigious race.

On a brisk Monday, Obiri sprinted past her compatriot Sharon Lokedi on Boylston Street to clinch the victory by a mere 8 seconds, finishing in 2:22:37. 

This victory marks her as the first woman since 2005 to win back-to-back titles in Boston, solidifying her status as a marathon great.

Sharon Lokedi, who was hot on her heels throughout the race, finished strong at 2:22:45, securing the second place. 

The performances of these leading ladies ensured that they would be leaving with hefty sums. Obiri’s repeat victory at Boston netted her a whopping Ksh 19,650,000 ($150,000), while Lokedi earned Ksh 9,825,000 ($75,000) for her efforts.

The prize money extended well beyond the top two finishers, reflecting the marathon's commitment to rewarding its top athletes handsomely. 

Veteran marathoner Edna Kiplagat, another Kenyan, finished in third position, earning Ksh 5,240,000 ($40,000) for her efforts. Meanwhile, Mary Ngugi, who came in sixth, also enjoyed a profitable day, taking home Ksh 1,768,500 ($13,500.).

The race's generous prize distribution continued down the line, with fourth and fifth-place finishers receiving Ksh 3,275,000 ($25,000) and Ksh 2,358,000 ($18,000) respectively.

 Even those who finished slightly outside the limelight, in seventh and eighth places, were rewarded with Ksh 1.3 million ($10,500) and Ksh 1.1 million ($8,500), while the ninth and tenth places fetched Ksh 910,630 ($7,000) and Ksh 715,495 ($5,500) respectively.

On the men’s side, the race saw Ethiopia’s Sisay Lemma taking the top spot with a commanding performance, leading him to bank a prize identical to Obiri's at Ksh 19,650,000. 

Mohamed Esa, who trailed closely behind, secured the second place with a prize of Ksh 9,825,000, while Kenya’s Evans Chebet wrapped up the top three with earnings of Ksh 5,240,000.

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