John Korir Faces Tough Test in Title Defense as Star-Studded Field Confirmed for 2026 Boston Marathon

The Boston Marathon is set for a thrilling showdown on April 20, with organisers confirming a star-studded men's field that includes defending champion John Korir and world champion Alphonce Simbu.

Eight of the top ten finishers from last year's race will return to the World Athletics Platinum Label event. John Korir is coming off a spectacular season.

His 2:04:45 victory in Boston last year was followed by a triumph at the 2024 Chicago Marathon just six months later.

The Kenyan star then capped off his 2025 campaign by winning the Valencia Marathon with a personal best of 2:02:24.

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Tanzania's Alphonce Simbu, who finished a close second to John Korir in Boston last year, is also back, as is Kenya's Cybrian Kotut, who secured third place in that race.

The field also boasts Benson Kipruto of Kenya, a formidable competitor with an impressive resume. Kipruto, the 2021 Boston champion, is the only man in history to have won all three US-based Abbott World Marathon Majors, with victories in Chicago (2022), Tokyo (2024), and New York City (2025).

"Boston holds a special place in my heart, as I won my first major there in 2021 and have finished third twice," said the Olympic bronze medallist. "I look forward to starting my 2026 season and racing a fast group of men in April."

The elite lineup features 25 men who have run the marathon in under 2 hours and 7 minutes, promising a highly competitive race.

Other international stars include Dutch runner Abdi Nageeye, the 2021 Olympic silver medalist and 2024 New York City Marathon winner, and Ethiopia's Hailemaryam Kiros, the Sydney Marathon champion.

Lemi Berhanu of Ethiopia will also return, marking the 10th anniversary of his 2016 Boston victory. Making his Boston debut is Alex Masai, who impressed with a third-place finish and a 2:04:37 time in Chicago last year.

A strong American contingent is led by Conner Mantz, who finished fourth in both Boston and Chicago last year, setting a North American record of 2:04:43 in the latter.

He will be joined by two-time Olympic medallist Galen Rupp, Clayton Young, Biya Simbassa, Houston Marathon winner Zouhair Talbi, and CJ Albertson.

Benson Kipruto (KEN) 2:02:16

John Korir (KEN) 2:02:24

Cybrian Kotut (KEN) 2:03:22

Abdi Nageeye (NED) 2:04:20

Lemi Berhanu (ETH) 2:04:33

Hailemaryam Kiros (ETH) 2:04:35

Alex Masai (KEN) 2:04:37

Alphonce Felix Simbu (TAN) 2:04:38

Mohamed Esa (ETH) 2:04:39

Conner Mantz (USA) 2:04:43

Yohanes Chiappinelli (ITA) 2:05:24

Benard Biwott (KEN) 2:05:25

Kennedy Kimutai (KEN) 2:05:27

Zouhair Talbi (MAR/USA) 2:05:45

Richard Ringer (GER) 2:05:46

Sondre Moen (NOR) 2:05:48

Galen Rupp (USA) 2:06:07

Akira Akasaki (JPN) 2:06:15

Tebello Ramakongoana (LES) 2:06:18

Andy Buchanan (AUS) 2:06:22

Gemechu Dida (ETH) 2:06:45

Hendrik Pfeiffer (GER) 2:06:45

Rory Linkletter (CAN) 2:06:49

Biya Simbassa (USA) 2:06:53

Tsegay Weldlibanos (ERI) 2:07:35

Patrick Tiernan (AUS) 2:07:45

Clayton Young (USA) 2:08:00

CJ Albertson (USA) 2:08:17

Yemane Haileselassie (ERI) 2:08:25

Alex Maier (USA) 2:08:33

Amaury Paquet (BEL) 2:08:44

Sam Chelanga (USA) 2:08:50

Daniel Mesfun (USA) 2:08:51

Ben Preisner (CAN) 2:08:58