Kenya’s John Korir joins his brother as a Boston Marathon champion.

 

BOSTON — Six months after claiming victory at the Chicago Marathon, John Korir lined up for his third Boston Marathon, confident in his chances for another strong finish.

Having narrowly missed out on a podium spot last year, finishing just outside the top three, the 28-year-old Kenyan turned to a trusted source for advice ahead of this year’s race: his older brother, Wesley Korir.

Wesley, 14 years his senior, had won the Boston Marathon in 2012, and John sought his brother's guidance in preparation.

"He told me to expect a tough race and to believe in myself," John recalled. "So, I did just that — I trusted myself and followed his advice."

That wisdom propelled both brothers into Boston Marathon history.

John Korir surged across the 26.2-mile course from Hopkinton to Copley Square, finishing with a time of 2 hours, 4 minutes, 45 seconds, marking the second-fastest winning time in race history.

After crossing the finish line, John was embraced by Wesley, who had been cheering wildly near the finish on Boylston Street.

The Korir brothers made history as the first siblings — or any relatives — to win the Boston Marathon. Their achievement stands alongside other iconic marathon pairings like the two John Kelleys and two Robert Cheruiyots, but the Korirs now hold a unique place in the record books.

In a tight race, Alphonce Felix Simbu of Tanzania and Cybrian Kotut of Kenya were neck-and-neck, crossing the line in 2:05:04. After a photo review, Simbu was awarded second place, and Kotut secured third.

Conner Mantz of Provo, Utah, was in the hunt for a podium spot but faded in the final stretch, finishing fourth in 2:05:08 after losing a three-way battle with Simbu and Kotut.

Korir’s victory almost didn’t happen due to an early stumble that saw his race bib come loose. He quickly recovered, retrieving it from his tights as he sprinted toward the finish.

"I was tripped from behind," he explained.

John had previously finished fourth in the Boston Marathon in 2022 and ninth in 2023. This year, he earned $150,000 for his victory.

Wesley, who once used his Boston Marathon winnings to build a hospital in Kenya, encouraged John to contribute some of his prize money to the Transcend Talent Academy, which helps underprivileged aspiring runners with education.

Sisay Lemma of Ethiopia, last year’s champion, led the race early but dropped out around Mile 17 due to a leg issue. Rory Linkletter of Canada led at the halfway mark, with Mantz taking charge around Mile 16. However, it was John Korir who made a decisive move near Heartbreak Hill at Mile 20, building a 20-second lead.

"I always plan to make a move at Mile 20," Korir said. "It worked out perfectly."

His lead continued to grow as he approached the final mile, passing the iconic Citgo sign behind Fenway Park. While Mantz fought for a podium spot, he was ultimately outkicked by Simbu and Kotut in the final stretch.

"It's humbling to be outkicked in the last 300 meters, but it’s probably the best race I’ve had," Mantz said.

In the end, it was John Korir who took home the win, and after a heartfelt embrace with his brother, he reflected on the historic moment.

"Afterward, he told me he was proud," John said. "Now, we're two brothers who have won Boston."