Third time lucky as John Korir wins Boston Marathon

Reigning Chicago Marathon John Korir emulated his elder brother, former Cherang'any MP Wesley Korir, by winning the 2025 Boston Marathon with a time of 2:04:45. Wesley Korir won the event in 2012.

It was third-time lucky for the 28-year-old after finishing fourth in 2024 and ninth in 2023.

Before the race, Korir told reporters that he had called his brother for advice on how to win the race, and the tips he received seem to have helped as Korir broke away from the leading pack after 33 kilometres.

"My brother has been helping in my training for this race. He urged me to believe in myself. Today is a great day for the Korir family," Korir said.

At the 35-kilometre he had opened a commanding 19-second lead over the trailing pack as he cruised comfortably to his second marathon victory.

Tanzanian Alphone Simbu beat debutant Kenyan Cybrian Kotut for second place in a photo finish as both athletes clocked 2:05:04.

Korir made the decision to break away from the leading pack after 33 kilometres and kept increasing his lead as he constantly looked over his shoulder for affirmation of his courage.

Conner Mantz, the great American hope who was sixth at the Chicago Marathon last year, had teased an American victory as he controlled the pace of the lead pack before Korir pulled away. Mantz finished fourth with a time of 2:05:08.

As the 2025 Boston Marathon ushered in a new era, the lights dimmed on previous conquerors of the event in brutal fashion.

Last year's champion, the Ethiopian Sisay Lemma, could not repeat his heroics of his 2024 victory when he opened a 25-second lead after 10 kilometres. His attempts to defend his title faded after 28 kilometres when he pulled out of the race.

The same fate befell Evans Chebet, champion in 2022 and 2023 and third last year, who ended his race shortly after 40 kilometres after succumbing to an injury.

In the end, the 2025 Boston Marathon was not witness to an American revolution but instead, albeit with new names carrying the day, it bowed to the enchanting dominance of Kenyan athletes in long-distance running.

2025 Boston Marathon results

Men Elite

1. John Korir (KEN) -- 2:04:45

2. Alphonce Simbu (TAN) -- 2:05:04

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3. Cybrian Kotut (KEN) -- 2:05:54

4. Conner Mantz (USA) -- 2:05:08

5. Muktar Edris (ETH) -- 2:05:59

6. Rory Linkletter (CAN) -- 2:07:02

7. Clayton Young (USA) -- 2:07:04

8. Tebello Ramakongoana (LES) -- 2:07:19

9. Daniel Mateiko (KEN) -- 2:07:52

10. Ryan Ford (USA) -- 2:08:00

2025 Boston Marathon prize money breakdown

1. Sh19.5 million ($150,000)

2. Sh9.7 million ($75,000)

3. Sh5.18 million ($40,000)

4. Sh3.24 million ($25,000)

5. Sh2.33 million ($18,000)

6. Sh1.75 million ($13,500)

7. Sh1.36 million ($10,500)

8. Sh1.10 million ($8,500)

9. Sh0.9 million ($7,000)

10. Sh0.71 million ($5,500)