Samwel Kimani Wins Boston Marathon Wheelchair Division in Course Record Time

Kenyan Paralympian Samwel Kimani delivered a landmark victory at the 129th Boston Marathon on April 21, 2025, winning the men’s wheelchair race in 1:16:42—a new course record. Battling strong headwinds on the Newton Hills, Kimani overtook defending champion Marcel Hug of Switzerland in the final mile. This is for every Kenyan with a disability dreaming big, he declared, dedicating the win to late mentor Joshua Ondieki. His triumph marked Kenya’s first Boston wheelchair title and the sixth major marathon crown for Kimani. The National Paralympic Committee hailed the win as a turning point for disability sports funding. President William Ruto invited him to State House, announcing a new inclusive sports policy and plans for a national para-athletics center in Machakos.