Tens of millions John Korir, Sharon Lokedi will earn after Boston Marathon victories

Kenyan stars delivered a historic double at the Boston Marathon on Monday, 20 April, with John Korir and Sharon Lokedi not only defending their titles but also securing impressive financial rewards.

Download our Mozzart Sport app for more news

Korir headlined the day with a sensational performance, clocking 2:01:52 to win the men’s race and rewrite the course record books.

Government issues update on Talanta Stadium weeks to CAF President visit (PHOTOS)

The Kenyan obliterated the long-standing mark of 2:03:02 set by Geoffrey Mutai in 2011, slicing off more than a minute from a record that had stood for 15 years.

The race began as a tightly contested affair, with Ethiopia’s Milkesa Mengesha setting a demanding early pace and leading the pack through the halfway mark in 1:01:43.

However, the defining moment came at the infamous Heartbreak Hill. As rivals began to fade, Korir surged decisively, breaking away from the field and never looking back.

By the time he hit Boylston Street, Korir was racing against the clock rather than his competitors, eventually crossing the finish line 55 seconds ahead of Tanzania’s Alphonce Simbu.

His record-breaking run proved just as rewarding financially. Korir earned $150,000 (approximately Ksh19.2 million) for winning the race and an additional $50,000 (around Ksh6.4 million) for setting a new course record, bringing his total earnings to $200,000 (about Ksh25.6 million).

The victory further cements the Korir family’s legacy in Boston. John’s brother, Wesley Korir, won the race in 2012, making them the only siblings to both claim titles at the world’s oldest annual marathon.

With back-to-back wins in 2025 and 2026, John has now elevated the family name to even greater heights.

In the women’s race, Lokedi matched Korir’s brilliance with a commanding title defence. The 2022 New York City Marathon champion clocked 2:18:51 to secure her second consecutive Boston crown, underlining her growing dominance on the global marathon stage.

Kenyans John Korir, Sharon Lokedi dazzle to retain Boston Marathon titles

Like Korir, Lokedi also walked away with a substantial payday. Her victory earned her the winner’s prize of $150,000 (approximately Ksh19.2 million), capping off a remarkable day for Kenyan distance running in Boston.