Now we all know just how big of a deal the Boston Marathon is. So it is a given that any long-distance runner worth their mettle will be trying their best to participate, right? Well, as it happens, that might not be the case. After all, one 31-year-old runner just decided to pull out of the event. A bigger surprise is that he is the 2021 NYC Marathon winner and has consistently finished in the top five at the Boston event. So, this begs the question, why not this time? After all, who doesn’t like winning?

Well, the man in question is none other than Kenyan marathon specialist Albert Korir. And the reason for his pulling out is a nasty last-minute injury that he suffered during his final training session last week. Korir himself shared the heartbreaking news with his followers, which was later picked up by Citius Mag on X. In his message, Korir expressed the difficulty of his decision, stating, “It’s with pain in my heart (and ankle) that I won’t be competing in Boston on Monday.”

He elaborated, “The hard work has been put into it, but unfortunately, I badly twisted my ankle last Saturday during my last fartlek.” His words showed the heavy toll the injury took on his plans, emphasizing how much the Boston Marathon meant to him. Korir’s decision was one made with his long-term health in mind. As he pointed out, “Being in Boston and competing with the best is only possible when you’re 100% physically okay.”

He also took a moment to thank the Boston Marathon for their continued trust in him year after year, sending good wishes to the other athletes who would take his place: “Success to all the other champions who will compete on Monday. Will be cheering you from home.” His performance history in Boston reveals his dominance through the years.

Throughout the past three Boston Marathons, Korir secured 6th place in 2022 with 2:08:50 behind him and 4th in 2023 with a time of 2:08:01, with 5th place in 2024 as his recent ranking at 2:07:47. Having demonstrated his potential to deliver another remarkable showing this year, he faced challenges because experienced marathoners understand injuries cannot be overcome during a race.

Korir invests his current time in recovery while dedicated to making his comeback at full athletic strength. Korir plans to support the runners virtually from home because, when the opportunity arises, he will be fully prepared to run the Boston Marathon. But now, who can win the race?

Korir’s absence opens the door for New Boston Marathon contenders

Now that Albert Korir is out of the race, the field remains vulnerable because of his withdrawal, with several major competitors taking the opportunity to challenge for the title. The 2024 Boston Marathon champion, Sisay Lemma, finds himself with an advantage after Albert Korir withdrew from the competition. This year, Lemma positions himself as a leading competitor after returning from his 2024 hamstring injury, as proven by his speed through his 2024 half-marathon time of 60:19.

After three major marathon victories, Evans Chebet proves his reliability as a marathon competitor during the upcoming Boston Marathon race. Chebet secured third in Boston, followed by second in New York last year, so a victory in 2025 would restore his World #1 status after missing several key opportunities. The women’s race will see Hellen Obiri attempt a first-ever three-time victory in Boston after she emerged champion in 2023 and 2024.

The women’s race will challenge Obiri’s dominance because she encounters strong competition from other capable runners. Amane Beriso stands as both the latest New York City Marathon champion from 2023 and the fifth-fastest female runner with a 2:14:58 personal best. Alongside her, Beriso competes with Sharon Lokedi, the NYC champion in 2022, and Yalemzerf Yehualaw, who established a record at the Amsterdam Marathon last year.

Obiri possesses the race experience and tactical expertise that set her up for a possible victory among strong competition. The American will bring a competitive lineup to the race as Conner Mantz and Clayton Young join forces to race against each other after achieving multiple first- and second-place finishes.

The dominating presence of Mantz and Young in American marathon competitions guarantees intense competition between these two top athletes. CJ Albertson joins Zach Panning, as well as two other top US marathoners, in creating a broad field of competitive runners.