John Korir Joins Brother as Boston Marathon Champion

BOSTON — John Korir of Kenya etched his name into history on April 21, 2025, by winning the 129th Boston Marathon, celebrating alongside brother Wesley, a former champion. Korir completed the race in an impressive 2 hours, 4 minutes, 44 seconds, marking the second-fastest winning time in marathon history.

The day also commemorated the 250th anniversary of the American Revolutionary War, creating a festive atmosphere in Copley Square as Paul Revere reenactors welcomed runners with shouts of “the runners are coming.” After crossing the finish line, John was greeted by Wesley, 2012 Boston winner, sharing an emotional moment between the first siblings to both win the world’s oldest annual marathon.

While John secured victory, the battle for second place added an exciting twist. Alphonce Felix Simbu of Tanzania triumphed over Kenya’s Cybrian Kotut in a close finish. Conner Mantz of Provo, Utah, finished fourth as he raced against the pack. Defending champion Sisay Lemma withdrew from the race before Mile 17 due to leg issues.

In the men’s wheelchair division, Marcel Hug of Switzerland claimed his eighth Boston Marathon title, finishing with a time of 1 hour, 21 minutes, 34 seconds. This victory marks Hug’s fifth consecutive win, coinciding with the 50th anniversary of the first official wheelchair finisher in Boston.

“It means a lot to win this year, 50 years of wheelchairs in Boston,” Hug said, reflecting on the historic occasion. He expressed pride in achieving his eighth title and acknowledged the significance of the event, stating, “For me, it will take some time to realize what it means.”

Hug quickly distanced himself from the pack alongside Daniel Romanchuk, who finished second in 1:25:58. After maintaining a close lead for the first six miles, Hug gained a three-minute advantage at the halfway point, expanding it thereafter.

Weather conditions favored the runners, with temperatures starting in the low 50s, providing a much smoother race experience for Hug compared to the previous year, when he faced a late-race crash. His latest win adds to an exemplary record, having set the course record three times since his inaugural victory in 2015.

In the women’s wheelchair race, Susannah Scaroni of the United States emerged victorious for the second time, clocking in at 1:35:20. Scaroni joins an elite group of American women who have won multiple Boston Marathon wheelchair titles. The list includes notable athletes such as Jean Driscoll and Tatyana McFadden.

Though there was minimal suspense in Korir’s final sprint, the highly competitive atmosphere captivated spectators throughout the race. As the event concluded, the festive spirit of Patriots' Day resonated throughout downtown Boston, blending athletic triumph with a rich historical celebration.