John Korir mustered a dominant performance as he clinched his first ever major marathon title, winning the Chicago Marathon in 2:02:43, almost two minutes ahead of Ethiopia’s Mohamed Esa, who timed 2:04:39.
Korir, younger brother of former marathon great Wesley Korir broke away from the leading pack just as they passed the 30km mark, and didn’t look back.
“Feels very good to win. I want to thank my big brother Wesley for his help. It was tough. I came here to win and battle. My brother Wesley told me to be patient and believe in myself and run my race. I am really delighted,” Korir said after the race.
On whether the late Kevin Kiptum, winner of the race last year inspired him, Korir said; “Yes I came here thinking about him and said, If last year Kiptum ran 2:01 why not me? So I just came here inspired and did my best.”
A lead pack of 10 men ran together through the first 10km in 29:27, and they were still one big group as they passed through the half-way point in 1:02:19, putting them on course for a 2:04:38 finish.
Korir, along with fellow Kenyans Daniel Ebenyo and Amos Kipruto, continued to push the pace into the second half.
By 30km, reached in 1:28:18, the lead group was down to seven men. But soon after, Korir increased his pace and broke free from the pack, creating a gap of 29 seconds by the time he reached 35km.
Korir sped up in the final kilometres and crossed the line in 2:02:43, having covered the second half in 1:00:24. Esa was second in 2:04:39 and Kipruto third (2:04:50).
On his debut, Ebenyo finished an impressive fifth, clocking 2:06:o4, behind compatriot Vincent Kipngetich (2:05:15).
