John Korir to feature in Valencia Marathon as late addition

Reigning Boston Marathon champion John Korir will run the Valencia Marathon on Sunday, December 7, as a late addition to the field, aiming to bounce back after failing to finish the Chicago Marathon.

His camp, through Korir’s elder brother and 2012 Boston Marathon winner, Wesley Korir, told Citizen Digital:

“Yes, he is going to run Valencia. As his camp, we knew how well he had trained before Chicago and how well he was in shape. We wanted to give him a chance again to compete and use his fitness well.”

The men’s field is strong, led by Ethiopia’s Sisay Lemma, the 2023 Valencia champion who holds the course record of 2:01:48. Lemma won that race ahead of Alexander Munyao (2:03:11) and Dawit Wolde (2:03:48).

Korir, whose personal best of 2:02:44 ranks him among the fastest marathoners in the world, will look to challenge Lemma and the other top contenders.

“Valencia gives him a second chance to go out there and compete before he takes a break for this season,” Wesley added

Other Kenyan entrants include Hillary Kipkoech, Edward Cheserek, Justus Kangongo, and marathon debutant Patrick Mosin. Valencia is known for its fast times; Kelvin Kiptum ran 2:02:53 on his debut in 2022 before breaking the world record later, while Sebastian Sawe impressed with 2:02:05 last year.