John Korir and his older brother Wesley now share a special family tradition no other siblings can boast: Both are Boston Marathon champions.
While Wesley claimed the title back in 2012 by braving some of the highest temperatures the race has ever seen, John enjoyed near-perfect conditions en route to his win at the 129th running of the marathon on Monday.
Korir crossed at 2:04:45, recording the second-fastest winning time in the race’s history and close to eight minutes faster than his brother. Wesley was waiting at the finish line and wrapped John in a tight embrace to celebrate, 13 years after his own triumph.
Though Korir stirred up a bit of drama with a fall at the start of the race, there wasn’t much tension surrounding his final sprint. However, the race for second place almost required a photo finish. Alphonce Felix Simbu of Tanzania edged out Kenya’s CyBrian Kotut for second while American Conner Mantz finished fourth.
Defending champion Sisay Lemma appeared to pull out of the race just before Mile 17. As the rest of the pack leading the race continued, Lemma stepped off to the side of the course to stretch his leg.
The women’s field saw a blazing finish led by 2024 runner-up Sharon Lokedi, who prevented Hellen Obiri from completing a threepeat and shattered the…
