Korir broke the Boston Marathon record, finishing in 2 hours, 1 minute, 52 seconds, fifth in the world.
Published April 21, 2026
On a chilly day with strong winds, John Korir broke the Boston Marathon course record with a sweep of Kenya as compatriot Sharon Rokedi defended her title.
The defending champion rode a tailwind to the fastest finish in the race’s 130-year history on Monday, winning in 2 hours, 1 minute, 52 seconds. This was 70 seconds faster than the then world record set by Geoffrey Mutai in 2011, and the fifth fastest marathon in history.
The top three broke previous records.
Korir said he knew he had reached a record pace at the 25-mile (40 kilometer) mark, but he didn’t feel like checking his watch as he crossed the finish line. When he was informed of his accomplishment by Boston Athletic Association President Jack Fleming, he jumped for joy.
“When I was told that I had run the course record, I was happy from that moment on,” said the 29-year-old Kenyan, who last year became the first of his relatives to win the race alongside his brother. “I knew I was going to defend my title, but I didn’t expect to go this fast.”
A relaxed Korir passed Ethiopia’s Milkesha Mengesha at the 20-mile mark and took control of the race. Korir ran the final six miles (9.6 km) alone, breaking compatriot Geoffrey Mutai’s 2011 record with a time of 2 hours, 3 minutes, 02 seconds.
Corir completed the final mile of the race in 4 minutes, 26 seconds. Before crossing the finish line, he playfully stuck out his tongue and flashed a big smile.
Meanwhile, Rokedi won the women’s race with a time of 2 hours, 18 minutes, and 51 seconds. She set a course record of 2 hours, 17 minutes, 22 seconds last year.
With about 5 miles (8 km) to go, Rokedi was paced by fellow Kenyan Lois Chemnun. But then Rokedi smashed through his rivals with a sub-4:50 one-mile split in the final stage of the race.
“I was just like, ‘Let’s just push it and see what happens,'” Rokedi said. “I left everything alone. That’s all I can say.”
Kenyan women took the top four spots. Jess McClain finished fifth in 2:20:49, the fastest time ever by an American woman at the Boston Games.
The 130th race got off to a chilly start, with temperatures on a sunny day reaching 45°F (7°C) and tailwinds of up to 10 mph (16 km/h) blowing the runners.
Kelvin Kiptum holds the marathon world record with a time of 2:00:35 on the flat Chicago course in 2023.
