Kenya’s John Korir Heeds Brother’s Advice to Win Boston Marathon and Make History
The 28-year-old Kenyan, who placed fourth in Boston last year, turned to 2012 Boston Marathon champion Wesley Korir for guidance ahead of this year’s race.
“He told me to expect the race to be tough and believe in myself,” John said. “So I believed in myself and followed his advice.”
That belief carried him into the record books.
Korir surged over the iconic 26.2-mile course from Hopkinton to Copley Square in 2 hours, 4 minutes, and 45 seconds — the second-fastest winning time in Boston Marathon history.
Wesley was waiting at the finish, jumping up and down as his brother approached the line, then enveloped him in a hug. With John’s victory, the Korirs became the first siblings — and first relatives of any kind — to win the world’s oldest annual marathon.
Though Boston has seen repeat winners with the same name before — including two John Kelleys and two Robert Cheruiyots — the Korirs made history as the first brothers to each claim victory.
Alphonce Felix Simbu of Tanzania and Kenya’s Cybrian Kotut finished in a dramatic photo finish for second and third, both clocking in at 2:05:04. American Conner Mantz, who had been in contention late, finished just behind them in 2:05:08.
Korir’s win nearly didn’t happen. Early in the race, he stumbled and briefly lost his race bib, which he later pulled out of his tights after crossing the finish.
“Somebody tripped me from behind,” he said.
Korir had finished ninth in 2023 and fourth last year in his two previous Boston starts. Monday’s victory earned him $150,000 in prize money.
Like his brother, who used part of his winnings to build a hospital in Kenya, John plans to give back. He pledged to donate a portion of his prize to the Transcend Talent Academy, which provides educational opportunities for underprivileged young runners — a cause Wesley also supports.
The race began with a fast pace set by defending champion Sisay Lemma of Ethiopia, who led early but dropped out around Mile 17 with an apparent injury. Canadian Rory Linkletter led a pack at the halfway mark, before Mantz took the front around Mile 16.
But Korir made his move near the 20-mile mark, attacking on the famed Heartbreak Hill and opening a decisive lead.
“That was the plan,” he said. “At 20 miles, I would try to make a move. I made the move, and it worked well.”
He widened his gap to nearly a minute as he passed the Citgo sign near Fenway Park, sealing the victory.
Mantz made a final push down Boylston Street, flanked by Simbu and Kotut, but was edged out in the closing meters.
“I made my hard move, and they responded like I wasn’t even there,” Mantz said. “It’s a little bitter, but probably the best race I’ve had.”
Still, the day belonged to John Korir, who shared a quiet moment with Wesley after the finish.
“Afterwards, he told me he was proud,” John said. “Now we’re two brothers who’ve won Boston.” read more>>>
