Millions John Korir will pocket for smashing Boston Marathon record
John Korir walked away with a total of $200,000 (about Ksh25.7 million) after collecting the winner’s prize of $150,000 (Ksh19.3 million) and an extra $50,000 (Ksh6.4 million) bonus for smashing the course record at the Boston Marathon on Monday, April 20, 2026.
Shuttering the record
Korir successfully retained his Boston crown in spectacular fashion, producing a dominant performance that saw him cross the finish line in 2:01:52, the fastest time ever recorded on the course.
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His run erased the previous mark of 2:03:02, which had stood for 15 years after being set by fellow Kenyan Geoffrey Mutai in 2011.
The victory also marked a personal milestone for the 29-year-old, as he surpassed his own previous best of 2:02:24, achieved during his winning run in Valencia last December. His commanding display confirmed his status as one of the world’s leading marathoners.
Should the government honour its promise to record-breaking athletes, Korir could pocket more millions.
Finishing behind Korir was Tanzania’s reigning world marathon champion Alphonse Simbu, who secured second place in 2:02:47, while Kenya’s Benson Kipruto completed the podium in 2:02:50, ensuring East Africa dominated the top three positions.
Korir’s triumph meant he successfully defended the title he captured in 2025, when he clocked 2:04:45. In that earlier race, Simbu had also placed second in 2:05:04, with Cybrian Kotut finishing third in the same time.
The Kenyan star had already signalled strong form earlier in the year when he kicked off his season at the Sirikwa Classic Cross Country Tour on February 14, 2026. He stormed to victory in the senior men’s 10km race, posting 29:44 to finish ahead of Amos Kiprotich and Silas Senchura, who both recorded 29:46.
Lokedi retains title
In the women’s race, Sharon Lokedi also retained her Boston title, leading an impressive clean sweep for Kenya on the podium. She powered through the final stretch on Boylston Street to secure victory in 2:18:51.
Lokedi faced stiff competition from compatriot Loice Chemnung, who finished second in 2:19:35 in just her second marathon appearance. Mary Ngugi-Cooper sealed third place in 2:20:07, completing the all-Kenyan podium dominance.
The 32-year-old Lokedi once again proved her strength on the Boston course, having claimed last year’s victory in emphatic style with a course record time of 2:17:22, where she edged defending champion Hellen Obiri, who finished second in 2:17:41, while Ethiopia’s Yalemzerf Yehualaw took third in 2:18:06.
Her consistent performances in Boston have built steadily over the years. She had earlier finished second in the 2024 race, clocking 2:22:45, narrowly behind Obiri’s winning time of 2:22:37.
Lokedi’s strong form heading into the 2026 season was evident at the New York Half Marathon on March 15, 2026, where she placed second in 1:07:10, finishing behind Obiri, who delivered a record-breaking 1:06:33, while Britain’s Megan Keith secured third in 1:07:13.
