Boston Marathon winner John Korir/SCREENGRAB
Boston Marathon winner John Korir will take a break from intense training to celebrate with family before deciding on his next competitive move.
Korir, 28, recovered from an early fall and surged ahead with a powerful dash in the 20th mile, crossing the finish line alone on Boylston Street in 2:04:45 on April 21, 2025.
He finished ahead of Tanzania’s Alphonce Simbu and fellow Kenyan Cybrian Kotut, who both clocked 2:05:04 to take second and third place respectively.
In doing so, Korir became the second member of his family to win a World Marathon Majors race, following in the footsteps of his older brother Wesley Korir, who won the Boston Marathon in 2012 with a time of 2:12:40.
John also recorded the third-fastest men’s time in the 129-year history of the event.
The reigning Chicago Marathon champion, Korir, matched his elder brother's achievement to become part of the only brother duo to win the prestigious Boston race.
“Wesley told me to expect the race to be tough and to believe in myself,” said Korir.
“So I did exactly that. I’m pleased to have won, and I thank everyone who supported me all the way to the finish line. Now I’ll take a break, relax, and enjoy some time with family before deciding whether to run at the World Championships or defend my title at the Chicago Marathon.”
The two events are closely scheduled, prompting Korir to weigh his options carefully.
The World Athletics Championships will be held from September 13–21, 2025 in Tokyo, Japan, followed by the Chicago Marathon on Sunday, October 12, 2025, in the United States.
Lokedi Breaks Boston Women's Course Record
Meanwhile, compatriot Sharon Lokedi made history by breaking the women’s course record with a winning time of 2:17:22.
She edged out Hellen Obiri, who clocked 2:17:41, while Ethiopia’s Yalemzerf Yehualaw took third place in 2:18:06.
“I really worked hard — it wasn’t easy at all,” said Lokedi, the 2022 New York Marathon winner. “I’m so happy for the win. My mum is here, and she got to witness my victory. I don’t know what’s next, but for now, I’ll celebrate. Tomorrow’s plans can wait.”
