Change in training location helped Korir secure victory at Boston Marathon
At the beginning of the marathon, Korir suffered from a nasty fall that almost took him out of the race.
A change in training location assisted Boston Marathon winner John Korir in his quest to win the prestigious marathon, he has revealed.
Korir, the 2024 Chicago Marathon winner, ran 2:04:45, the second-fastest men's winning time in Boston history (dating to 1897) to secure victory on Monday.
His time is slightly behind Geoffrey Mutai's 2:03:03 in 2011. His older brother, Wesley, won Boston in 2012 and was at the race to support him.
Alphonce Simbu of Tanzania was runner-up, 19 seconds behind, followed by Kenya's Cybrian Kotut.
American Conner Mantz was fourth, just four seconds shy of his first major marathon podium.
Korir, speaking in the aftermath of his winning effort, cited his preparations for the race, saying they have paid dividends.
He also explained the alteration that was made to boost his training methods.
"This success is down to good preparation and testing," he told the Boston Herald.
"After the Chicago marathon, which was on a flat surface, we (and coach Boniface Tiren) decided to shift base to Trans Nzoia County and Elgeyo Market, which are hilly areas for training. I feel that training in the hills has helped me."
At the beginning of the marathon, Korir suffered from a nasty fall that almost took him out of the race.
He however continued and he says it is strongly due to his brother Wesley's presence in Boston.
"My brother won this race in 2012. He is a big influence in my life and plays a big role in my career. I'm glad that he was here to support me because we have prepared together," he added.
The Boston winners take home USD 150,000 each (Approx Ksh 19.5 million).
Kenya's Sharon Lokedi, who won the women's segment with a new course record of 2:17:22, will pocket an extra USD 50,000 (Sh6.6 million) as a result, taking her total earnings above the Ksh 25 million mark.