Olympics
Exclusive: John Korir Reflects on Historic Boston Marathon Win and Family Legacy
John Korir, inspired by his brother Wesley's Boston Marathon win, became a world-class marathoner himself. In 2025, he won the Boston Marathon with the fastest time since 2011. His historic win, embraced by Wesley, marks the first time relatives have won the prestigious race. John plans to donate part of his prize to the academy his brother founded, supporting young athletes. His message to aspiring runners: be patient, trust in yourself, and believe in your dreams.
2025 Boston Marathon by Maddie Meyer | Getty Images
When Wesley Korir stormed to victory at the 2012 Boston Marathon, his younger brother John Korir was thousands of miles away, a student in a class in Kenya. He was unaware that his own flesh and blood were writing history.
A Dream Sparked in a Classroom
That win sparked something in young John. It lit a fire that would burn quietly but persistently for over a decade.
Fast forward to 2025, and John is no longer the boy dreaming from a classroom in Kenya.
He is a world-class marathoner, the eighth-fastest in history thanks to his 2:02:44 performance in Chicago. And now, he’s the newest champion of the Boston Marathon. The exciting teenager turned his childhood dream into reality in spectacular fashion.
More Than Just a Race
As he stood at the 2025 Boston Marathon starting line, for Korir, it was more than a race, it was a pursuit of a dream kindled over a decade ago.
Korir recovered from what many thought was a devastating fall mid-race that could easily have shattered the momentum to make his move after 90 minutes in the race.
Not even the fall could stop him. He powered over the 26.2-mile course from Hopkinton to Boston's Copley Square in 2 hours, 4 minutes, 45 seconds, the fastest winning time since Geoffrey Mutai’s course record of 2:03:02 in 2011. He completed the race without a bib number, which had fallen off when he took a tumble mid-race.
A Historic Family First
Yet, the most emotional moment came at the finish line, where he was embraced by none other than Wesley, the man who had inspired the journey to begin with.
Although the race has been won by a pair of unrelated John Kelleys and two different Robert Cheruiyots, the Korirs are the first brothers, or relatives of any kind, to win the world's oldest and most prestigious annual marathon.
In an exclusive interview with SportsBoom, Korir reflected on the exciting win, noting that it was a proud moment for their family and legacy.
“What was going through my mind when crossing the finish line is that I am the winner of the Boston Marathon. My brother and I have made history,” he said.
He admitted that the most challenging part of the race came at the 40km mark, when hills and a water station collided. However, he was grateful that his training on undulating terrain and long tempo runs helped him push through.
“It was hard to get water and run up the hill,” he recalled.
This was Korir’s second major marathon win after his Chicago triumph six months ago. Although, Boston holds something deeper for Korir.
“Boston is special because we, as the Korir family, made history there. It means a lot for me to carry on the legacy. My family is happy,” he averred.
A major part of that legacy is Wesley’s mentorship, which John deeply values.
“Wesley always tells me to be patient and keep focus, and it always happens. Wesley has a big role in my life. He is the reason I am who I am today,” he told SportsBoom.com.
Giving Back Where It All Began
The Boston win also came with a $150,000 (Ksh19.6 million) prize.
But instead of keeping it all, John announced he would donate part of the winnings to the Transcend Talent Academy in Kitale, Western Kenya. The Academy was founded by Wesley in 2009 through his Transcend Foundation. It offers full scholarships to talented but underprivileged young athletes.
The school provides full scholarships, focusing on young people who show promise in athletics.
The Academy now has 160 students, with 22 already earning scholarships to American universities through athletics.
Its first group of Form Four students just sat for their Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) exams in 2024.
Korir’s contribution will go a long way in helping the school continue supporting its students both in the classroom and on the track.
“My contribution will help the academy continue supporting its students both in the classroom and on the track,” he revealed.
The Road Ahead
With the historic win now behind him, SportBoom was curious to know what was next for him.
“For now, I don’t know. I’m waiting for my manager, coach, and Wesley to tell me where to go next,” he said with a smile.
His message to the next generation of runners?
“Be patient, trust in God. No one should tell you that you cannot do it. Just believe in yourself — and live your life not trying to be like someone else,” he concluded.
Mary Milanoi is a young Kenyan sports journalist known for her insightful reporting and passionate storytelling.
Her work is characterized by her ability to connect with sportspersons and bring their stories to life, capturing the human element behind the competition.