John Korir of Kenya won the Boston Marathon on April 20, 2026, setting a new course record with a time of 2:01:52. This victory marks a significant achievement in marathon history.
Sharon Lokedi, also from Kenya, took first place in the women’s division with a preliminary time of 2:18:51. Both athletes successfully defended their titles, a feat not accomplished since 1996.
Korir’s winning time is remarkable—70 seconds faster than the previous course record set by Geoffrey Mutai in 2011. Lokedi’s performance is noteworthy as well; her time ranks as the second-fastest win in the women’s division.
Marcel Hug of Switzerland won the men’s wheelchair division for a ninth time, clocking in at 1:16:06. Eden Rainbow-Cooper of Great Britain secured victory in the women’s wheelchair division with a time of 1:30:51.
The competition was fierce this year. Thirteen men finished inside 2:06, and ten women finished under 2:23, indicating one of the deepest fields in Boston Marathon history. Alphonce Simbu finished second in the men’s division with a time of 2:02:47, while Benson Kipruto came in third at 2:02:50.
Loice Chemnung finished just behind Lokedi, crossing the line 44 seconds later. “I knew I would defend my title, but I didn’t know I would run that fast,” said Korir after his victory.
Benson Kipruto remarked, “Boston is not (usually) about time. Today, it was about time.” This sentiment reflects the high level of competition witnessed during this year’s race.
Sharon Lokedi expressed her strategy by stating, “I just had to be patient.” Her approach paid off as she retained her championship title amidst tough competition.
