Unheralded Wesley Korir Wins Boston Marathon

PhotoRun.net

On a blistering hot Patriot’s Day in Beantown, Wesley Korir of Kenya ran a tactically sound race to capture the 116th Boston Marathon in a winning time of 2:12:40.

Korir, a graduate of the University of Louisville, did not go with a breakaway pack that included defending champion Geoffrey Mutai, Mathew Kisorio and Levy Matebo past the midway point of the race. Mutai and Kisorio eventually dropped off by the 22 mile mark, leaving Matebo alone in the front.

From there, two-time Los Angeles Marathon champion and 2011 Chicago runner-up Korir steadily gained on Matebo, catching him with about two miles to go before taking the lead for good with a mile remaining.

Matebo settled for second in 2:13:06. Bernard Kipyego claimed third in 2:13:13.

American Jason Hartmann finished fourth in 2:14:31.

After the race, Korir said he would donate a part of his $150,000 first place purse to the Kenyan Kids Foundation, an organization he created to finance high school education for youth in Kenya.

For those unfamiliar with Korir’s story, read this piece by Bill Dwyre of the Los Angeles Times.

Sharon Cherop broke away from Jemima Sumgong over the last 600 meters to win the women’s race in 2:31:50. Georgina Rono finished third to compete the Kenyan sweep of the podium for the men and the women.

Follow @RunLiao