Kenyan star wins Boston Marathon in course record time to land $50k bonus

20 Apr 2026 • 11:56 PM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

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Kenyan star wins Boston Marathon in course record time to land $50k bonus

  • John Korir of Kenya successfully defended his title at the 130th Boston Marathon on Monday, setting a new course record of 02:01:52 to earn himself a $50k bonus.
  • Alphonce Simbu of Tanzania and Benson Kipruto of Kenya finished second and third respectively, with all top three men beating the previous course record.
  • Marcel Hug secured victory in the men's wheelchair race, while Great Britain's Eden Rainbow-Cooper won the women's wheelchair event for a second time.
  • The race, part of the Abbott World Marathon Majors, benefited from a strong tailwind, contributing to the fast times recorded.
  • Pre-race controversy surrounded a Nike advert in the city, which was ultimately pulled following backlash from some runners.

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