Kenya’s John Korir delivered a record-breaking performance to win the Boston Marathon for a second consecutive year, clocking 2:01:52 and setting a new men’s course record. The 29-year-old sliced 1 minute and 10 seconds off the previous record of 2:03:02 set by fellow Kenyan Geoffrey Mutai in 2011. The win adds to Korir’s strong marathon run, following victories in Chicago (2024) and Valencia (December 2025). Korir said the race felt smooth from start to finish after his dramatic fall early in last year’s race, which he still managed to win. “It felt like a race back home with all the people cheering,” he said, adding that breaking the record had been his goal. His finishing time now ranks as the fifth fastest marathon performance in history.
In the women’s race, defending champion Sharon Lokedi of Kenya retained her title in 2:18:51, though she narrowly missed her own course record of 2:17:22 set in 2024. She finished 44 seconds ahead of compatriot Loice Chemnung. Lokedi credited mental focus and encouragement from spectators, saying small moments along the course helped push her through the race. She previously won the New York City Marathon in 2022. Britain’s Calli Hauger-Thackery also drew attention after completing the race in 2:43:58 while 22 weeks pregnant. The 33-year-old has continued competing at an elite level during pregnancy, having previously won marathons in Honolulu and Houston under similar conditions.
