Benson Kipruto throws down the gauntlet ahead of Boston comeback
Kenyans Benson Kipruto (C), Alexander Mutiso (L) and Albert Korir celebrate taking the top three spots respectively in the New York Marathon in New York on November 2, 2025. (Photo by CHARLY TRIBALLEAU / AFP)
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Former Boston marathon champion Benson Kipruto has warned rivals to expect a fierce battle when he returns to the Boston Marathon in April, declaring his readiness to open his 2026 season against a stacked men’s field.
“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 130th edition of the World Athletics Platinum Label race, set for April 20, will feature one of the deepest men’s fields in recent history, with defending champion John Korir headlining the line-up.
Korir arrives in Boston on the back of a remarkable run of form. He dominated the 2025 Boston Marathon in 2:04:45 before adding the Chicago Marathon title later in the year, then capped his season with a personal best of 2:02:24 at the Valencia Marathon.
Eight of the top ten finishers from last year’s race will return, including Tanzania’s world champion Alphonce Simbu, who pushed Korir all the way to the line in 2025, and Kenya’s Cybrian Kotut, who finished third.
Kipruto remains one of the most decorated runners in the field. The 2021 Boston champion is the only man in history to have won all three US-based Abbott World Marathon Majors, claiming victories in Chicago (2022), Tokyo (2024) and New York City (2025).
The elite field includes 25 athletes with marathon personal bests under 2:07, underlining the depth of competition expected on Patriots’ Day.
Also confirmed are Dutch star Abdi Nageeye, the 2021 Olympic silver medallist and 2024 New York City Marathon winner, Ethiopia’s Sydney Marathon champion Hailemaryam Kiros, and Lemi Berhanu, who returns to Boston marking a decade since his 2016 victory.
Kenya’s Alex Masai will make his Boston debut after clocking 2:04:37 for third place at the Chicago Marathon last year.
A strong American challenge will be led by Conner Mantz, fourth in both Boston and Chicago in 2025, alongside two-time Olympic medallist Galen Rupp.
“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 130th edition of the World Athletics Platinum Label race, set for April 20, will feature one of the deepest men’s fields in recent history, with defending champion John Korir headlining the line-up.
Korir arrives in Boston on the back of a remarkable run of form. He dominated the 2025 Boston Marathon in 2:04:45 before adding the Chicago Marathon title later in the year, then capped his season with a personal best of 2:02:24 at the Valencia Marathon.
Eight of the top ten finishers from last year’s race will return, including Tanzania’s world champion Alphonce Simbu, who pushed Korir all the way to the line in 2025, and Kenya’s Cybrian Kotut, who finished third.
Kipruto remains one of the most decorated runners in the field. The 2021 Boston champion is the only man in history to have won all three US-based Abbott World Marathon Majors, claiming victories in Chicago (2022), Tokyo (2024) and New York City (2025).
The elite field includes 25 athletes with marathon personal bests under 2:07, underlining the depth of competition expected on Patriots’ Day.
Also confirmed are Dutch star Abdi Nageeye, the 2021 Olympic silver medallist and 2024 New York City Marathon winner, Ethiopia’s Sydney Marathon champion Hailemaryam Kiros, and Lemi Berhanu, who returns to Boston marking a decade since his 2016 victory.
Kenya’s Alex Masai will make his Boston debut after clocking 2:04:37 for third place at the Chicago Marathon last year.
A strong American challenge will be led by Conner Mantz, fourth in both Boston and Chicago in 2025, alongside two-time Olympic medallist Galen Rupp.
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