Boston Marathon 2026 preview: Will John Korir, Sharon Lokedi pick up back-to-back wins?
TL;DR
The 130th Boston Marathon is set for Monday, featuring returning champions John Korir and Sharon Lokedi, who aim for back-to-back wins. Lokedi holds a course record of 2:17:22, while Korir won last year with a time of 2:04:45.
Key points
- Boston Marathon 2026 features returning champions John Korir and Sharon Lokedi
- Lokedi aims to defend her title with a course record of 2:17:22
- Korir won last year with a time of 2:04:45
The Boston Marathon kicks off its 130th edition on Monday, with an exciting field setting the pace for the race. Both of last year’s winners, Sharon Lokedi and John Korir, are set to return, and will aim to win back-to-back in Boston for the women’s and men’s races, respectively.
Lokedi, who set a course record with her 2:17:22 win last year, will aim to do it again, with her fellow Kenyan countrywomen Irine Cheptai and Loice Chemnung also in contention. Ethiopians Workenesh Edea and Bedatu Hirpa also come into the competition with strong past personal bests.
Emily Sisson, the most recent American woman to place in the top three of a major race, is likely the American with the best shot on Monday. Sisson placed second in the Chicago marathon in 2022 with an American record time of 2:18:29; she will be competing in the Boston Marathon for the first time.
Several contenders are instead opting to participate in next Sunday’s London Marathon rather than go to Boston. That list includes Hellen Obiri, who won the 2025 New York Marathon and came in second behind Lokedi in Boston last year.
For the men’s side, Korir will aim to earn his second straight win in Boston, and certainly has the history to make it possible. Though Korir took last year’s race with a time of 2:04:45, Korir and fellow Kenyan Benson Kipruto both have personal bests under two hours and three minutes, meaning an easy victory on Monday if they approach those marks.
Tanzanian runner Alphonce Felix Simbu and Kenyan runner Cyprian Kotut, who tied for second in last year’s race, are also set to compete again on Monday.
American Connor Mantz, who came in fourth last year in Boston, pulled out of the race last month. That leaves Galen Rupp with the best shot for the USA on Monday; Rupp was the last American to end in the top three of a major race, coming in third place in Chicago in 2021.
The Boston Marathon begins at 9 a.m. eastern time, and runs all day. The women will race first, followed by the men.
Q&A
What are the personal best times of John Korir and Sharon Lokedi?
John Korir has a personal best under two hours and three minutes, while Sharon Lokedi set a course record of 2:17:22 last year.
Who are the main competitors for the Boston Marathon 2026?
Key competitors include Irine Cheptai, Loice Chemnung, Workenesh Edea, Bedatu Hirpa, and Emily Sisson, among others.
Why are some top runners opting for the London Marathon instead of Boston?
Several top runners, including Hellen Obiri, are choosing to compete in the London Marathon due to scheduling conflicts and personal preferences.
