Boston Marathon 2026: Korir Shatters Course Record in Chilly Conditions

John Korir of Kenya won the Boston Marathon on April 20, 2026, with a time of 2:01:52, breaking the previous course record by over a minute.

His time of 2:01:52 broke the previous Boston Marathon course record of 2:03:02, set by Geoffrey Mutai in 2011. Korir was also the defending champion from the previous year. The race began with temperatures in the 30s Fahrenheit.

Alphonce Felix Simbu of Tanzania finished second in the men's race. Zouhair Talbi ran the fastest time ever for an American athlete in the Boston Marathon men's race.

Women's Race: Lokedi Takes Victory

In the women's race, Sharon Lokedi of Kenya won with a time of 2:18:51. Loice Chemnung finished second. Jess McClain ran the fastest time ever for an American athlete in the Boston Marathon women's race.

Wheelchair Division Champions

• Men's Wheelchair Race: Marcel Hug of Switzerland won with a time of 1:16:06.
• Women's Wheelchair Race: Eden Rainbow-Cooper of Britain won with a time of 1:30:51.

Context and Notes

Kelvin Kiptum holds the marathon world record of 2:00:35, set at the 2023 Chicago Marathon. This year, a statue of marathon pioneer Bobbi Gibb was unveiled at the start of the course.