Albert Korir, the 2021 New York City Marathon champion, has withdrawn from the 2025 Boston Marathon due to an ankle injury. The Kenyan runner, who has been a consistent top-five finisher in Boston in recent years, made the announcement on social media, expressing his disappointment at being unable to compete in the prestigious race set for April 21.
Korir shared that he had suffered a twisted ankle during his last fartlek workout, which led to his decision to pull out of the marathon. “It’s with pain in my heart (and ankle) that I won’t be competing in Boston on Monday,” he wrote. “Being in Boston and competing with the best is only possible when you’re 100% physically okay.” He expressed his regret over missing the race but assured fans and organizers that he would return in the future.
The news comes as a blow to the Kenyan contingent, as Korir has been a reliable performer in the Boston Marathon over the past few years. He finished sixth in 2022 with a time of 2:08:50, improving to fourth place in 2023 with a time of 2:08:01, and last year, he claimed fifth place with a personal best of 2:07:47. Korir’s consistent performances had made him a key contender for this year’s race.
Despite Korir’s withdrawal, the 2025 Boston Marathon still boasts a highly competitive field. Six of the top seven finishers from the previous year’s race are returning, including two-time winner Evans Chebet, who is aiming to secure a third victory in Boston. Fellow Kenyan runner John Korir, who triumphed at the Chicago Marathon in 2024, is also part of the star-studded lineup. Additionally, Cyprian Kotut and Haymanot Alew, who finished second and third, respectively, at last year’s Berlin Marathon, will be among the contenders.
One of the most exciting prospects in the race is World Champion Victor Kiplangat from Uganda, who is aiming to make history by becoming the first Ugandan man to win the Boston Marathon. Kiplangat’s victory in the 2023 World Athletics Championships, where he claimed the marathon title, has made him a favorite for the race, and his performance in Boston will be highly anticipated.
Another exciting addition to the field is Ethiopia’s Muktar Edris, a two-time world 5000m champion, who will be making his marathon debut in Boston. Edris’ transition from the track to the marathon distance has generated a lot of buzz, as his speed and endurance make him a potential threat in his first marathon.
Other notable entrants include Ethiopia’s Lelisa Desisa, a former Boston Marathon champion, and Kenya’s Daniel Mateiko, who has shown great promise in recent marathons. Tanzania’s Alphonce Felix Simbu, who has proven himself on the international stage, will also be among the top competitors.
The American challenge will be led by Conner Mantz and Clayton Young, both of whom had strong performances in the Olympic Marathon. Mantz finished eighth, while Young took ninth in the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Marathon, and both runners will be hoping to make a mark on the Boston course.
Although Korir’s absence is unfortunate, the 2025 Boston Marathon promises to be a thrilling race, with a deep field of talent ready to vie for victory on one of the most iconic marathon courses in the world.
