Reigning Boston Marathon champion John Korir is hoping for a statement performance at Sunday’s Valencia Marathon, determined to banish the ghosts of his bitter Chicago outing and reassert his dominance on the global road-running stage.
On October 12 in Chicago, Korir arrived with a mission to defend the title he had won in 2024 with a 2:02:44 finish. But his title defence unravelled dramatically as he failed to finish, recording a DNF.
Before the setback, Korir had launched an audacious assault on the course, thundering through the early kilometres well inside world record pace. But as fatigue and misfortune struck, his bid came to a premature halt.
Uganda’s Jacob Kiplimo eventually stormed to the Chicago crown in 2:02:23, ahead of Amos Kipruto (2:03:54) and Alex Masai (2:04:37). Now, after the heartbreak of Chicago, Korir has reset, refocused and turned his full attention to Valencia. “I will be running in Valencia on Sunday. My main target is to win,” Korir told the Star.
Although Valencia’s famously fast layout often encourages blistering early splits, Korir insists he will not be drawn into a reckless opening fast pace. Instead, he plans to deploy a measured, tactical approach. “I will run a tactical race; I will not go out hard in Valencia,” he said.
Despite Chicago’s disappointment, the 29-year-old maintains his engine is still humming. “The shape that I had in Chicago is still there. My target in Chicago was to run under 2:01. But in Valencia, I am going for the win,” he added.
Korir has also doubled down on his preparations, ensuring no stone was left unturned ahead of Sunday’s showdown. “After Chicago, I took some rest, then went back to training. I have been doing 200km weekly,” he revealed. His form in 2025 has been imperious.
On April 21, he clinched the prestigious Boston Marathon title in 2:04:45, outkicking Tanzania’s Alphonce Simbu (2:05:04) and compatriot CyBrian Kotut (2:05:04). He then extended his winning streak on July 13 at the Boilermaker 15K, clocking a commanding 42:44 ahead of Hillary Kipkoech (43:08) and Abbabiya Simbassa (43:28).
But Valencia will present stiff opposition with the 2023 champion Sisay Lemma of Ethiopia leading the charge. During his triumph in 2023, Lemma clocked 2:01:48 to finish ahead of Alexander Munyao (2:03:11) and Dawit Wolde (2:03:48).
However, the Ethiopian has had a rocky season, recording a DNF in his only appearance over 42km this year in Boston. Adding to the intensity is reigning Sydney Marathon champion Hailemaryam Kiros, who will be eyeing his second 42km triumph of the year. Korir, however, remains unwavering with the competition.
“The field is strong, but I am well prepared for it, and I target a win,” he affirmed. Korir will be joined by compatriots Hillary Kipkoech, Enock Onchari, Edward Cheserek and Benard Biwott.
