MAYOR WU ANNOUNCES RETURN OF BOSTON SAVES’ JANUARY INCENTIVE TO PROVIDE BOSTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS FAMILIES A FINANCIAL BOOST FOR THEIR CHILDREN’S FUTURE

MAYOR WU ANNOUNCES RETURN OF BOSTON SAVES’ JANUARY INCENTIVE TO PROVIDE BOSTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS FAMILIES A FINANCIAL BOOST FOR THEIR CHILDREN’S FUTURE BPS families who log in to the Savings Center for the first time by January 31, 2025 will earn an extra $25 for their child’s savings account

BOSTON - Thursday, January 9, 2025 - Mayor Michelle Wu today announced that Boston Saves, the City’s children’s savings account program, is offering a January incentive to encourage eligible Boston Public Schools (BPS) families to participate in the program. Families of BPS students in grades K2 - 5 who log in to the Boston Saves online savings platform for the first time by January 31, 2025, will earn an extra $25 for their child’s account. This money, in addition to the $50 provided in every Boston Saves account and any additional incentives families earn, can be used to pay for their child’s future college or career training. “Boston Saves gives our community the tools to connect students and families with new economic opportunities that can be transformative,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “As we enter 2025, I encourage all BPS families to explore this program and learn more about how it can impact their children’s future.” A joint program of the Worker Empowerment Cabinet and Boston Public Schools, Boston Saves automatically provides every BPS K2 student with a college savings account (CSA) seeded with $50 to give families a boost for their child’s future. The program also allows families to earn additional Boston Saves Dollars for their child’s account through ongoing incentives and access to financial education resources that make saving easier. Since its launch in 2019, Boston Saves has allocated nearly $1.7 million, including over $320,000 in family-earned incentives, to over 27,000 student accounts.  "It is never too young to start thinking about one's career,” said Chief of Worker Empowerment Trinh Nguyen. “Boston Saves supports Boston's working families and parents to plan ahead on incremental steps to develop promising careers to ensure the best path for that child to grow into Boston's workforce." “Boston Saves gives our youngest learners a head start on saving money to further their education, whether that’s for a college and career preparation program, or for future educational opportunities,” said Boston Public Schools Superintendent Mary Skipper. “I am grateful to everyone involved for continuing to invest in our students and ensure that our families are aware of this opportunity to start saving for post-secondary success.” Findings from the first year of a three-year evaluation of Boston Saves attribute participation in the program to significant positive effects on students’ academic success, including social-emotional development, reading frequency, parental life satisfaction and educational expectations. Research shows that the presence of savings can motivate post-secondary success. Additionally, low-income children with less than $500 in an account dedicated to higher education were three times more likely to enroll in college and four times more likely to graduate from college than families with no savings. With last year’s January incentive, over 600 BPS families earned $15,475 for their children’s futures. The January incentive is especially critical as it encourages families to take the necessary first step of logging into their accounts, thereby unlocking the program's benefits.  When a family logs in to the Savings Center, they can: See the money in their child’s Boston Saves account Link their own financial account to the Savings Center to track all their savings for their child in one place and earn an additional incentive Earn more money for their child’s Boston Saves account by taking simple steps like reading with their child, or saving regularly  “Boston Saves is a great free resource for saving for your child’s education after high school,” said BPS Parent Raqael Duarte Hunt. “I especially loved having the opportunity to earn extra incentives for reading we were already doing at home. The program may seem too good to be true, but it is truly money with no strings attached that will help to aid my child's post secondary plans. I encourage all BPS parents to take advantage of the program.” The Boston Saves New Year’s promotion will be applied to the accounts of all students whose families have logged in to the Savings Center for the first time since November 2024, when the platform first became available to current K2 kindergarten families. Currently, all K2-5 grade students in BPS have Boston Saves accounts. Families of students in select older grades may also have accounts (and be eligible for the promotion) if they were part of the Boston Saves pilot program or joined a pilot cohort. Families that have eligible children should have received an email from bostonsaves@boston.gov with a direct link to log into their child’s account. Parents/guardians who believe their child is eligible but did not receive an email can contact the Boston Saves team at bostonsaves@boston.gov with their child’s name, grade, and school. For more information, visit boston.gov/boston-saves.

跨入2025 波士頓市中心辦公室大樓空置率飆升至30%

               (Boston Orange 編譯) 跨入2025新年度，波士頓商業期刊 (BBJ)刊文稱波士頓市辦公室空置率飆升至17%，創歷史新高。

              房地產公司Cushman & Wakefield做的報告指出，一年前，這空置率還只是15.1%。波士頓市中心這平常租金最貴的地區，去年的平均租金也下降了1.6%。

              在新冠病毒疫情初期，波士頓地區的生命科學業曾經火爆到實驗室空間還沒蓋，租戶就已經開始排隊，現在空置率卻超過30%。2024年第四季，也是這一領域連續第10年的空置率上升，原因是實驗室率續蓋好，進入了市場，卻沒人租用。

              在2024年內，新租約減少了，續約交易佔絕大多數，約46%，而一年前是24%。

              Cushman & Wakefield 高級研究經理 Riley McMullan 在一份聲明中表示：“辦公大樓市場的動態反映出向穩定的轉變，續約遙遙領先。” “租戶繼續優先考慮設施齊全的資產和黃金地段，以適應不斷變化的工作場所策略”。

儘管政府官員和企業主都努力推動企業重返辦公室，但波士頓並不是唯一一個空置率持續居高不下的市場。

Cushman & Wakefield 的數據顯示，全國辦公室空置率平均為 20.9%。其中舊金山的空置率最高，34.9%，曼哈頓23.5%，洛杉磯24.8%，華府21.9%。具體到中央商務區，芝加哥25.6%，西雅圖31.5%。

在波士頓，新建築通常仍然能夠吸引辦公大樓租戶，這反映了McMullen提到的便利設施。但由於需求下降，新空間的建設已大幅放緩。

51 層樓高的南站大樓在疫情爆發前幾個月開始動工。開發商 Hines 一個月前宣布了該項目的第一個辦公室租戶，律師事務所 Jones Day 計劃租用兩層樓，總面積為 41,000 平方英尺。該建築預計將於今年稍後開放。

其他正在建造的著名辦公大樓，一但有租戶租用了很大空間，就還繼續施工。其中包括肯德爾廣場 (Kendall Square) 的兩座新塔樓項目：阿斯特捷利康 (AstraZeneca) 的57 萬平方英尺和武田製藥 (Takeda Pharmaceuticals) 的60 萬平方英尺。這兩座塔樓的租約都是2022 年簽署的。Bain & Co.那年也在後灣區 (Back Bay) 阿靈頓街的一棟新辦公大樓，簽了一年租約。

Tech Goes Home Partners with Rocket Community Fund to Bring Digital Inclusion Programming to Detroit

Tech Goes Home Partners with Rocket Community Fund to Bring Digital Inclusion Programming to Detroit

BOSTON, Jan. 9, 2025 — Tech Goes Home (TGH), a leading Massachusetts-based nonprofit committed to closing the digital divide, in partnership with Rocket Community Fund, today announced the launch of Digital Skills Detroit, an initiative designed to equip 200 Detroit residents with digital skills focused on enhancing employability and fostering economic empowerment across the city’s underserved communities.

“We are thrilled to bring TGH’s community-led digital inclusion model to Detroit,” said Marvin Venay, Chief External Affairs and Advocacy Officer at TGH. “In Massachusetts, we’ve seen the positive impact of providing digital devices, internet access, and skills training led by trusted local instructors. We’re grateful to the Rocket Community Fund and our Detroit partners for their collaboration in bridging the digital divide.”

The program provides participants with a free digital device, access to affordable internet, and hands-on training to develop both basic skills, such as navigating the internet safely, and more advanced skills, including how to use productivity software, internet job search techniques, and how to access certain online services. The training sessions will be held at Connect 313’s 17 local technology hubs, which are accessible community spaces offering internet connectivity and digital resources. 

"Digital literacy is essential for participating fully in today’s society," said Autumn Evans, Senior Program Manager of Rocket Community Fund. "Through partnerships like this, we’re addressing systemic barriers and providing Detroiters with tools to achieve economic mobility and success in a tech-driven world."

The Digital Skills Detroit program will be delivered over six months through workshops and Learning Circles led by local instructors trained by TGH. This approach ensures culturally relevant and high-quality instruction tailored to Detroit’s unique needs. By fostering collaboration and collective learning, the initiative addresses the specific needs of Detroit’s diverse populations while strengthening community ties and promoting empowerment.

TGH was established in Massachusetts in 2000 and has partnered with hundreds of organizations across the state – including schools, libraries, and nonprofits – to serve more than 50,000 learners. The majority of TGH learners identify as people of color, speak a primary language other than English, and have an annual household income of less than $20,000. This is the organization’s first partnership in Detroit, which has become nationally recognized for its comprehensive digital inclusion model and collaborative ecosystem of partners.

In addition to the Rocket Community Fund, Digital Skills Detroit is supported by local partners Connect 313, Black Tech Saturdays, and Peer 2 Peer University. Recently, TGH team members traveled to Detroit to train a cohort of local instructors who will lead the program for an initial group of 200 learners. Sessions started in October 2024 and will continue through April 2025.

"Our partnership with Tech Goes Home showcases the inspiring work of local leaders Maia and Keith, founders of CoCreating with the City,” said Johnnie Turnage, co-founder of Black Tech Saturdays. “Their commitment to empowering residents and businesses exemplifies how visionaries drive innovation and bridge gaps. Through city-wide tech talks and e-commerce training on platforms like Shopify, Maia and Keith are reshaping Detroit’s digital future. Together, we’re building skills and creating a lasting legacy of opportunity and empowerment."

紐英崙至孝篤親公所新主席陳秀珍、陳孔恩 背靠中華公所、波市警察局

波士頓經文處處長廖朝宏(左三)和至孝篤親公所元老陳仕維(右三)
主持新舊任主席印信交接。左起新任副主席陳孔恩、主席陳秀珍，
從卸任正副主席，陳文珊、陳鐵堅手中接過印信。(周菊子攝)

               (Boston Orange 周菊子波士頓報導) 紐英崙至孝篤親公所1月5日中午在波士頓華埠夏利臣街會址，舉行新舊職員交接典禮，新屆主席陳秀珍、陳孔恩在波士頓市政府，駐波士頓台北經濟文化辦事處等多名要員、嘉賓到賀中，率十餘名新屆職員走馬上任。

至孝篤親公所新屆職員和嘉賓合影。(周菊子攝)

當天到賀佳賓頗為特別，包括波士頓市長幕僚長朱為婷，波士頓市社區參與長 Briana Millor，波士頓市長亞裔聯絡員黃楚嵐，以及駐波士頓台北經濟文化辦事處處長廖朝宏，波士頓僑教中心主任高家富，全美洪門致公堂元老余麗媖等人。

全美安良元老陳仕維既是至孝篤親公所宗親、元老，也是北美洲舜裔篤親公所元老，這天也當然在座。

至孝篤親公所新舊任主席和嘉賓一起上香。(周菊子攝)

至孝篤親公所的新就職員交接典禮，儀式依然傳統。新任中文書記陳健榮請到場眾人肅立，由庶務陳珊珊點燃生香，派發給宗親、嘉賓後，請眾人向至孝篤親公所的祖先像行三鞠躬禮，再上香，由元老陳建立監誓，元老陳仕維和駐波士頓台北經濟文化辦事處處長廖朝宏監交印信，接著敬酒、獻牲、進寶，全體再向祖先像行三鞠躬禮。

紐英崙至孝篤親公所的新任主席陳秀珍，副主席陳孔恩就此完成從卸任主席陳文珊，副主席陳鐵堅手中接過帶領公所重任的儀式。

波士頓經文處處長廖朝宏和僑教中心主任高家富代表僑委會委員長徐佳青，
送上賀狀恭喜陳秀珍上任紐英崙至孝篤親公所主席。(周菊子攝)

              至孝篤親公所新屆主席陳秀珍也是紐英崙中華公所本屆主席雷國輝的夫人，已在至孝篤親公所服務多年，歷任中文書記等多個不同職位。她感謝前任職員過去以來的辛勞，謙虛表示未來2年將抱持以民為本態度，率同公所同仁繼續為宗親及社區服務。

波士頓經文處處長廖朝宏和僑教中心主任高家富代表僑委會委員長徐佳青，
送上賀狀恭喜陳孔恩上任紐英崙至孝篤親公所副主席。(周菊子攝)

              新屆副主席陳孔恩是波士頓警察局現任社區參與副局長。他抱歉表示自己只能用英文致詞，但為應邀出任宗親會幹部，感到非常榮幸。前一天晚上他特地上網查詢了一下，這才了解到至孝篤親公所已有百餘年那麼悠久的歷史，笑說他的首要任務是保護主席陳秀珍，然後才是服務宗親。這天他已年逾90的父親陳榮佐、叔叔陳榮壽特地出席，同享榮耀。

陳孔恩(中)上任副主席，父親陳榮佐(右)，叔叔陳榮壽(左)都來道賀。(周菊子攝)

              波士頓經文處廖朝宏處長和僑教中心主任高家富依序以英文、廣東話致詞，感謝至孝篤親公所歷年來給予經文處的支持，恭喜新屆主席及幹部，代表僑委會委員長徐佳青送上賀狀和感謝狀給陳秀珍、陳孔恩2名新任主席，以及陳文珊、陳鐵堅2名卸任主席，北美洲舜裔篤親總公所美東總理陳建立等人。

陳毓禮的兒子陳孟君今年首度加入至孝篤親公所職員行列。(周菊子攝)

              陳仕維在儀式後指出，至孝篤親公所注重與時俱進，早在2015年時就響應女性當家的世界風潮，推選出時年29歲的陳文珊，成為至孝篤親公所的第一位女性主席。如今升任議長的陳文珊謙虛表示，這些年來追隨陳仕維，到世界各地參加懇親會，學到許多待人處事之道，但也強調，要服務社區，另一半的支持絕不可少，所以她很感謝丈夫鄺劍峰這些年來的陪伴。    

              在新一屆至孝篤親公所職員行列中，另一位備受矚目者是甫於2023年辭世僑領陳毓禮的兒子陳孟君。他坦言父親一直心懷宗親，對他影響很大，如今宗親號召，他自是義不容辭。

切金豬是告祭祖先的傳統之一。(周菊子攝)

              紐英崙至孝篤親公所2025職員有主席陳秀珍，副主席陳孔恩，中文書記陳健榮，英文書記陳美珍，財政陳韓幼文，核數陳余寶愛，庶務陳珊珊，青年部 (歷山寄盧)主任陳孟君，副主任陳志成，婦女部主任陳美美，副主任陳婉蘭，法律顧問陳鐵堅。元老陳仕維、陳建立，議長陳文珊。顧問陳廣漢，陳天佐，陳禮，陳滋源，陳偉民，陳鐵堅。

波士頓經文處處長廖朝宏(左起)，波士頓市長幕僚長朱為婷，波士頓僑教中心
主任高家富等嘉賓，也應邀為至孝篤親宗親上香。(周菊子攝)

左起，陳文珊、廖朝宏、高家富、陳仕維，朱為婷，陳孔恩等人圍桌聚談。(周菊子攝)

麻州長Healey簽署2法案 降低醫保開銷加強透明度

(Boston Orange 編譯) 麻州州長奚莉 (Maura Healey) 今 (8) 日簽署2項法案，降低醫療健保開銷，並增加醫療護理行業的透明度。

這2項法案，S.3012 是關於藥物獲取，成本及透明度， H.5159 是要加強市場審核流程。這些法令旨在降低醫療護理成本，把處方藥價格限制在25美元，改善人們獲得初級護理的機會，加強對醫療護理業的監管，以保護病人及醫療護理供應者。

值得注意的是，它要求保險公司取消一種仿製葯的成本分攤要求，並將用於治療糖尿病、哮喘和某些心臟病的一種品牌葯的共付額上限，訂為每 30 天供應量 25 美元。

它還確保消費者在不使用保險的情況下購買藥物更便宜，並且不會向他們收取共付額，並且它要求保險公司在新成員切換到新計劃時為新成員的現有處方提供連續性的保險。

州政府也將成立工作小組，處理初級醫療護理可負擔性等地挑戰。

Governor Healey Signs Laws Lowering Health Care Costs and Strengthening Oversight 

New laws cap prescription drug copays at $25, improve access to primary care and close regulatory gaps exploited by Steward Health Care   

BOSTON – Governor Maura Healey today signed into law S.3012 An Act relative to pharmaceutical access, costs, and transparency and H.5159 An Act enhancing the market review process. The laws seek to lower health care costs, cap prescription drug costs at $25, improve access to primary care and increase oversight of the health care industry to protect patients and providers. 

“We know that one of the biggest strains on Massachusetts family's budgets is the high health care costs. These new laws will lower out-of-pocket costs by capping copays at $25 for lifesaving prescription medications and increasing transparency in the industry,” said Governor Maura Healey. “They also close loopholes in our regulatory processes so that for-profit providers like Steward Health Care are subject to the same transparency rules as non-profit providers. As Attorney General, I spent years in court trying to hold Steward to this standard, and I’m glad that our laws will no longer be exploited in this way. I’m grateful for the strong leadership of Speaker Ron Mariano, Senate President Karen Spilka, and the Legislature for advancing these bills that will strengthen our health care system, lower costs, and protect patients and providers.” 

“Massachusetts is proud to be a global leader in health care and life sciences innovation. Together, these laws further increase our ability to deliver world-class medical care that patients can afford and empower government to hold the health care industry accountable to the people,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “We appreciate the partnership of the Legislature, as well as all of the health care leaders, providers and patients who made their voices heard throughout this process.” 

“The bills signed by Governor Healey today represent the Legislature’s enduring commitment to protecting patients, bringing down cost growth, and to fostering greater stability and accountability within the health care system,” said House Speaker Ronald J. Mariano (D-Quincy). “Before Steward Health Care ultimately collapsed, executives spent years hiding their financial information from state regulators, putting patients and our health care system at risk. That’s why ensuring that our institutions are equipped to monitor the health care landscape, and to guard against trends and transactions that drive up costs without improving patient outcomes, is so important. I would like to thank Chairman Lawn and our partners in the Senate for getting these bills across the finish line and marking the end of an incredibly productive legislative session.” 

"Because of our actions today, thousands of residents will pay less at the pharmacy counter, and communities across the state will be more protected from the high costs of private equity mismanagement," said Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). "With the Governor's signature on these two bills, we are doubling down on our global leadership in health care and making sure that in Massachusetts, patients are put before profits. I am grateful for Governor Healey's signature, the tireless and unwavering work of Senator Friedman, my colleagues in the Senate, and our partners in the House for getting these bills across the finish line." 

An Act relative to pharmaceutical access, costs and transparency includes comprehensive reforms to lower the cost of prescription drugs and improve oversight of the pharmaceutical industry. Notably, it requires insurers to eliminate cost-sharing requirements for one generic drug and to cap co-payments on one brand-name drug at $25 per 30-day supply for diabetes, asthma, and certain heart conditions. It also ensures that consumers are not charged a co-pay if it would be cheaper for them to purchase a drug without using their insurance, and it requires insurers to provide continuity of coverage for new members' existing prescriptions when they switch to a new plan. 

An Act enhancing the market review process seeks to close loopholes in the health care market regulatory process. It expands the scope of data collection and public review of health care and health care transactions by the Health Policy Commission (HPC) and the Center for Health Analysis and Information (CHIA), with the goal of increasing visibility and accountability for transactions involving private owners of health care resources. This will help to close gaps in oversight that were exploited for years by Steward Health Care and Ralph de la Torre. For example, it prohibits DPH from issuing hospital licenses to hospitals or systems where the main acute care campus is on Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT)-owned property. It also seeks to increase transparency around health care entities and their ownership, including more rigorous data sharing requirements and expanding participation in regulatory process to nontraditional healthcare entities.   

The bill also includes a provision establishing a primary care task force, co-chaired by Health and Human Services Secretary Kate Walsh and the Executive Director of the HPC. The task force will study primary care access, delivery and payment, and develop recommendations to stabilize and strengthen the primary care system, increase recruitment, and increase financial investment and patient access. 

“These laws are an important step toward transparency and accountability for our health care system, and making medications more affordable,” said Health and Human Services Secretary Kate Walsh. “We know primary care access is a critical component of health equity, so I’m especially looking forward to the commitment of strengthening our primary care system to help more people in Massachusetts live healthy lives.” 

“Skyrocketing costs of prescription drugs and pervasive practices by private equity interests in health care have created an untenable situation for Massachusetts residents seeking care," said Senator Cindy F. Friedman (D-Arlington), Senate Chair of the Joint Committee on Health Care Financing. "I am hopeful that with Governor Healey’s signature on these two important pieces of legislation, our Commonwealth will gain more tools and a better understanding of these industries as we continue our work to ensure that patients come before profits and our residents receive high-quality care that is accessible and affordable, whenever they need it. I thank all of my legislative colleagues and the stakeholders who partnered with us to get these bills to the Governor’s desk.”  

“What Ralph De La Torre and Steward did to our residents was unconscionable and reprehensible, however, it was legal. Following the Steward Health Care crisis, it is the Legislature’s responsibility to ensure that what happened with Steward never happens again in the Commonwealth,” said Representative John J. Lawn, Jr. (D-Watertown). “That means closing loopholes in our regulatory process that Steward exploited for years and shining a light on the blind spots that allowed Steward to exploit Massachusetts patients for profit. Under the leadership of Speaker Mariano, the House remains committed to fighting to protect patients, preserve community hospitals, and increase access to high-quality, affordable health care in the right setting.” 

“These new laws put patients and working families over corporate profits,” said Senator John J. Cronin (D-Fitchburg). “These measures take critical steps to limit out-of-pocket costs for residents and hold pharmacy benefit managers and private equity firms accountable. I’m grateful to Governor Healey for her leadership on these issues.” 

“As someone who represents communities within the Merrimack Valley that were impacted by Steward’s closure, I am grateful that this historic legislation was passed by the Legislature. These two critical pieces of legislation will positively impact every resident in Massachusetts by making life-saving and essential prescription drugs more affordable for all residents, while also working to ensure that another Steward Health Care situation is never allowed to happen again in Massachusetts,” said Second Assistant Majority Leader Frank A. Moran (D-Lawrence). “I would like to thank Governor Healey, Lieutenant Governor Driscoll, Speaker Mariano, Senate President Spilka, House Chair Lawn, and Senate Chair Friedman for their steadfast leadership in making this legislation a priority this session.” 

“The crisis and long-term impacts to the health care system that Steward Health Care caused through financial greed and negligence has led to the important reforms in this legislation that will strengthen oversight of the Commonwealth’s health care system, helping to prevent future crises and ensure Massachusetts residents have access to high-quality care,” stated Representative Hannah Kane (R-Shrewsbury). “I am pleased to see the Governor sign this significant legislation into law today.” 

“I look forward to implementing these new laws that will help advance important transparency and affordability safeguards at the Division of Insurance for Massachusetts consumers,” said Commissioner of Insurance Michael Caljouw. 

Hellen Obiri 和 Sisay Lemma 將回波士頓參加馬拉松賽 爭取衛冕冠軍

Hellen Obiri, Sisay Lemma Return to Defend Titles at Boston Marathon presented by Bank of America

Professional Open Division to feature athletes from 20 countries, including Olympic medalists, Boston champions, and Top American Talent

 

BOSTON – The Boston Athletic Association (B.A.A.) today announced that Hellen Obiri (Kenya) and Sisay Lemma (Ethiopia) will return to defend their Boston Marathon presented by Bank of America titles, headlining a field that includes 21 sub-2:09 men and 17 sub-2:23 women. Obiri seeks to become the first woman to three-peat since Fatuma Roba did so from 1997-1999.

 

In addition to two consecutive wins on the streets of Boston, Obiri earned a bronze medal at the Olympic Marathon in Paris and was runner-up at the TCS New York City Marathon in November. Sisay’s 2:01:38 lifetime best ranks fastest among the men’s field, and his winning margin last April was 41 seconds.

 

“Boston annually brings together the world’s best each April, and this Patriots’ Day is no different,” said Jack Fleming, CEO of the Boston Athletic Association. “Coming off an Olympic year, top contenders from around the world have turned their attention to Boston and hope to etch their name into Boston Marathon lore with a victory.”

 

HELLEN OBIRI RETURNS AIMING FOR HISTORIC THREE-PEAT

 

Only four women have won three consecutive Boston Marathon Open Division titles – Bobbi Gibb, Sara Mae Berman, Uta Pippig, and Fatuma Roba. Trying to prevent Obiri’s three-peat will be a host of international and U.S. stars. Ethiopia’s Amane Beriso and Yalemzerf Yehualaw have the fastest lifetimes bests in the field (2:14:58 and 2:16:52, respectively) with Beriso finishing second in 2023 and serving as the reigning world champion. Also from Ethiopia is 2023 Sydney Marathon runner-up Rahma Tusa and Buze Diriba, fourth at Boston and Chicago last year.

 

“Defending a win is never easy, and to win the Boston Marathon twice in a row was hard, but I am happy to have done it,” said Obiri. “On race day I will again push for the win and hope to make it three in a row.”

 

Toughness and experience are often rewarded in Boston, and Kenya’s Edna Kiplagat, Sharon Lokedi, Irine Cheptai, Viola Chepngeno, and Mary Ngugi-Cooper have just that. Kiplagat is a two-time Boston winner (2017 and 2021); Lokedi was second last year in Boston and fourth at the Olympic Marathon in Paris; Cheptai has earned four medals at the World Cross Country Championships; Chepngeno won the Boston Half in 2022; and Ngugi-Cooper has five top ten finishes in Boston. Together with Obiri and 2012 winner Sharon Cherop, the Kenyan contingent is perhaps the deepest in race history.

 

Speaking of champions, 2018 Boston Marathon champion Des Linden will line up in Hopkinton for the 12^th time, headlining the fastest ever U.S. women’s squad assembled in Boston which includes 14 athletes with sub-2:26 personal bests. Joining Linden will be Dakotah Popehn, 12th at the 2024 Olympic Marathon; Keira D’Amato, the former American marathon record holder; Emma Bates, top American at the last two Bostons; Jessica McClain, fourth at the 2024 U.S. Olympic Trials in both the marathon and 10,000m; Sara Hall, national master’s record holder; Sara Vaughn, top American at the 2024 TCS New York City Marathon, and Lindsay Flanagan, ninth at the 2023 World Championships.

 

Among the 20 countries represented in the professional field are Romania’s Joan Melly, a past B.A.A. 10K champion and 2:18:24 marathoner, as well as Great Britain’s Calli Hauger-Thackery who finished seventh at the 2024 Berlin Marathon in 2:21:34.

 

SISAY LEMMA LOOKING TO REPEAT RUNAWAY 2024 WIN

 

Five of the top seven men’s finishers from last year’s Boston Marathon return, led by reigning champion Sisay Lemma. Many of Lemma’s challengers a year ago are ready for Round 2.

 

“I was very happy after winning the Boston Marathon last year, and in 2025 I know it will be an even bigger challenge to win again,” said Lemma. “I was unlucky, because of an injury, not to be able to participate at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris and I was not completely ready at the Valencia Marathon last December, but I will be 100% ready next April because the Boston Marathon is a special event.”

 

Kenya’s Evans Chebet, the two-time Boston Marathon champion who was third in 2024 is back, as are 2024 fourth and fifth place finishers John Korir and Albert Korir. John Korir – winner of the 2024 Bank of America Chicago Marathon – is the brother of 2012 Boston champion Wesley Korir.

 

A strong U.S. men’s group will match the depth of the U.S. women’s field. Olympic marathoners Conner Mantz and Clayton Young will lead the American charge. Mantz and Young come off eighth and ninth place finishes at the 2024 Olympic Marathon, and each finished in the top ten at the 2024 TCS New York City Marathon. Mantz’s lone Boston finish was 11th in 2023, though he has lowered his personal best to 2:08:12 in the years since. Last year’s top-USA finisher (seventh overall) CJ Albertson is Mr. Consistency, having run five marathons between 2:08:17 and 2:10:57 in 2024. Zach Panning, Nathan Martin, Reed Fischer, and Colin Bennie – all of whom finished in the top ten at the 2024 U.S. Olympic Trials Marathon – are entered. 

 

Cybrian Kotut and Haymanot Alew were second and third at last fall’s Berlin Marathon and bring speed to the table, both with lifetime bests under 2:04. Daniel Mateiko of Kenya is a 58:17 half marathoner making his Boston debut, while Victor Kiplangat (the reigning world champion) seeks to become the first Ugandan to win Boston. Not to be forgotten are 2023 and 2024 Boston Half winners Abel Kipchumba and Yemane Haileselassie, nor cross country ace Muktar Edris who’ll race his first marathon. Two-time Boston Marathon winner Lelisa Desisa of Ethiopia, whose last finish in Boston came in 2019, aims to be at the front of the field. Tanzania’s Alphonce Felix Simbu enters Boston coming off a fourth-place, 2:04:38 finish at last month’s Valencia Marathon.

 

A complete list of the Professional Open Division fields can be found below; updates to the start list will be made here as race day approaches.

 

Media credential applications for the 2025 Boston Marathon presented by Bank of America will open in February. Information will be posted to the B.A.A.’s Media Relations page in the coming month.

 

2025 BOSTON MARATHON PROFESSIONAL WOMEN’S DIVISION

 

WOMEN’S FIELD	COUNTRY	PERSONAL BEST
Amane Beriso	ETH	2:14:58 (Valencia, 2022)
Yalemzerf Yehualaw	ETH	2:16:52 (Amsterdam, 2024)
Irine Cheptai	KEN	2:17:51 (Chicago, 2024)
Joan Melly	ROU	2:18:04 (Seoul, 2022)
Keira D'Amato	USA	2:19:12 (Houston, 2022)
Rahma Tusa	ETH	2:19:33 (Houston, 2024)
Edna Kiplagat	KEN	2:19:50 (London, 2012)*
Buze Diriba	ETH	2:20:22 (Chicago, 2024)
Mary Ngugi	KEN	2:20:22 (London, 2022)
Sara Hall	USA	2:20:32 (Chandler, 2020)*
Bedatu Hirpa	ETH	2:21:09 (Amsterdam, 2024)
Calli Hauger-Thackery	GBR	2:21:34 (Berlin, 2024)
Hellen Obiri	KEN	2:21:38 (Boston, 2023)
Emma Bates	USA	2:22:10 (Boston, 2023)
Sharon Cherop	KEN	2:22:28 (Berlin, 2013)*
Desiree Linden	USA	2:22:38 (Boston, 2011)*
Sharon Lokedi	KEN	2:22:45 (Boston, 2024)
Viola Chepngeno	KEN	2:23:23 (Capetown, 2024)
Sara Vaughn	USA	2:23:24 (Chicago, 2023)
Lindsay Flanagan	USA	2:23:31 (Chicago, 2024)
Stacy Ndiwa	KEN	2:23:42 (Chicago, 2024)
Gabi Rooker	USA	2:24:29 (Chicago, 2024)
Kellyn Taylor	USA	2:24:29 (Duluth, 2018)
Dakotah Popehn	USA	2:24:40 (Chicago, 2023)
Jackie Gaughan	USA	2:24:40 (Sacramento)
Nell Rojas	USA	2:24:51 (Boston, 2023)
Cynthia Limo	KEN	2:25:10 (Hamburg, 2024)
Lily Partridge	GBR	2:25:12 (Valencia, 2023)
Angie Orjuela	COL	2:25:35 (Berlin, 2023) NR
Jess McClain	USA	2:25:46 (Orlando, 2024)
Lauren Hagans	USA	2:25:47 (Chicago, 2024)
Tristin Colley	USA	2:25:58 (Chicago, 2023)
Annie Frisbie	USA	2:26:18 (New York City, 2021)
Stephanie Bruce	USA	2:28:41 (Sacramento, 2024)*
Anne-Marie Blaney	USA	2:29:25 (Chicago, 2024)
Annie Heffernan	USA	2:30:26 (Sacramento, 2024)
Kodi Kleven	USA	2:30:43 (St. George, 2024)
Hannah Lindholm	SWE	2:31:18 (Seville, 2024)*
Lindsey Bradley	USA	2:31:46 (Indianapolis, 2024)
Sarah Reiter	USA	2:31:58 (Duluth, 2023)
Diana Bogantes	CRC	2:32:08 (Valencia, 2023) NR
Jessie Cardin	USA	2:33:34 (Chicago, 2022)
Ashlee Powers	USA	2:33:40 (Twin Cities, 2024)
Kaylee Flanagan	USA	2:34:03 (Berlin, 2024)
Mimi Smith	USA	2:34:24 (Chicago, 2023)
Rachel Hannah	CAN	2:34:33 (Toronto, 2024
Megan O'Neil	USA	2:34:55 (St. Paul, 2024)
Anna Benedettini	USA	2:35:12 (Valley Cottage, 2023)
Hailey Bowes	USA	2:35:36 (Chicago, 2023)
Rena Elmer	USA	2:35:45 (Duluth, 2024)*
Veronica Eder	USA	2:35:46 (Orlando, 2024)
Claire Benjamin	USA	2:35:53 (Sacramento, 2023)
Katerine Fleuhr	USA	2:35:55 (Chicago, 2023)
Amanda Beach	USA	2:35:59 (Indianapolis, 2024)
Abby McNulty	USA	2:36:00 (Sacramento, 2023)
Sydney Devore	USA	2:36:01 (NYC, 2023)
Stephanie Rouse	USA	2:36:20 (Sacramento, 2023)
Brittney Hall	USA	2:36:28 (Valley Cottage, 2023)
Lucy Dobbs	USA	2:36:33 (Indianapolis, 2023)
Emily Sullivan	USA	2:36:41 (NYC, 2024)
Tabor Hemming	USA	2:36:59 (Sacramento, 2024)
Tammy Hsieh	USA	2:37:00 (Sacramento, 2023)
Sarah Czuprynski	USA	2:37:21 (Sacramento, 2024)
Erika Fleuhr	USA	2:38:00 (Berlin, 2024)
Margaret Vido	USA	2:38:06 (Sacramento, 2023)
Lianne Pagano	USA	2:38:26 (Sacramento, 2023)
Allie Hackett	USA	2:38:54 (Duluth, 2023)
Dot McMahan	USA	2:38:34 (Orlando, 2024)*
Kate Bazeley	CAN	2:39:30 (Toronto, 2024)*
Meriah Earle	USA	2:39:46 (Orlando, 2024)*
Laurie Knowles	USA	2:41:05 (Duluth, 2024)*
Melissa Perlman	USA	2:42:50 (Chicago, 2025)*
April Lund	USA	2:43:35 (Indianapolis, 2023)*
Amber Green	USA	2:45:37 (St. George, 2023)*
Amber Thielbar	USA	2:45:45 (North Bend, 2024)*

*Denotes Masters (40+) athlete

 

2025 BOSTON MARATHON PROFESSIONAL MEN’S DIVISION

 

MEN’S FIELD	COUNTRY	PERSONAL BEST
Sisay Lemma	ETH	2:01:48 (Valencia, 2023)
John Korir	KEN	2:02:44 (Chicago, 2024)
Evans Chebet	KEN	2:03:00 (Valencia, 2020)
Cybrian Kotut	KEN	2:03:22 (Berlin, 2024)
Haymanot Alew	ETH	2:03:31 (Berlin, 2024)
Daniel Mateiko	KEN	2:04:24 (Valencia, 2024)
Alphonce Felix Simbu	TAN	2:04:38 (Valencia, 2024)
Lelisa Desisa	ETH	2:04:45 (Dubai, 2013)
Victor Kiplangat	UGA	2:05:09 (Hamburg, 2022)
Asefa Boki	ETH	2:05:40 (Amsterdam, 2024)
Tebello Ramakongoana	LES	2:06:18 (Xiamen, 2025) NR
Abel Kipchumba	KEN	2:06:49 (Berlin, 2022)
Albert Korir	KEN	2:06:57 (New York City, 2023)
Tsegay Weldlibanos	ERI	2:07:25 (Sacramento, 2024)
Patrick Tiernan	AUS	2:07:45 (Houston, 2024)
Conner Mantz	USA	2:07:47 (Chicago, 2023)
Clayton Young	USA	2:08:00 (Chicago, 2023)
Rory Linkletter	CAN	2:08:01 (Seville, 2024)
CJ Albertson	USA	2:08:17 (Chicago, 2024)
Amanuel Mesel	ERI	2:08:17 (Valencia, 2013)
Erenjia Jia	CHN	2:08:32 (Berlin, 2024)
Zach Panning	USA	2:09:16 (Chicago, 2024)
Colin Bennie	USA	2:09:38 (Chandler, 2020)
Reed Fischer	USA	2:10:14 (Chicago, 2024)
Tesfu Tewelde	ERI	2:10:21 (St. Paul, 2024)
Wesley Kiptoo	KEN	2:10:28 (Chicago, 2023)
Johannes Motschmann	GER	2:10:39 (London, 2024)
Nathan Martin	USA	2:10:45 (Duluth, 2023)
Ryan Ford	USA	2:11:08 (New York City, 2024)
Colin Mickow	USA	2:11:22 (Chandler, 2020)
Turner Wiley	USA	2:11:55 (Chicago, 2024)
Yemane Haileselassie	ERI	2:11:59 (Honolulu, 2024)
Robert Miranda