John Korir surged to a commanding win in last year’s Boston Marathon and will return in defense of his title on April 20 as the complete men’s field of this year’s race was announced on Wednesday.
Korir will be joined by a loaded men’s group that also includes Benson Kipruto, Cybrian Kotut, Abdi Nageeye, Lemi Berhanu and Hailemaryam Kiros — who all look to be significant factors in the late stages of the competition.
“Last year’s race was a very meaningful win for me and my family, and I look forward to coming back to Boston again,” Korir said in a statement in December. “I aim to finish first and run fast again in April.”
In a performance that started of shaky last April, Korir fell near the start and his bib became detached, but he rebounded to take a 2:04:45 win, which is the third fastest time in Boston Marathon history.
Kipruto brings seasoned experience to this year’s race after winning in 2021 and has a stacked resume that includes victories at the 2022 Chicago Marathon, 2024 Tokyo Marathon and the 2025 New York City Marathon this past November.
“Boston holds a special place in my heart, as I won my first Major there in 2021 and have finished third twice,” Kipruto said in a statement released on Wednesday. “I look forward to starting my 2026 season and racing a fast group of men in April.”
Conor Mantz also returns and will battle to upgrade his fourth place finish from 2025 and will be joined by fellow American Zouhair Talbi, who stunned his dominant win in 2:05:45 at the Chevron Houston Marathon earlier this month.
Marcel Hug leads the way in the men’s wheelchair field as he also looks to repeat in Boston, grab his fourth straight win and ninth title on the course. However Daniel Romanchuk, a two-time Boston winner, will look to block Hug’s road to Boston immortality with Josh Cassidy and Johnboy Smith helping strengthen a solid men’s field.
Men’s elite field
Benson Kipruto (Kenya) – 2:02:16
John Korir (Kenya) – 2:02:24
Cybrian Kotut (Kenya) – 2:03:22
Abdi Nageeye (Netherlands) – 2:04:20
Lemi Berhanu (Ethiopia) – 2:04:33
Hailemaryam Kiros (Ethiopia) – 2:04:35
Alex Masai (Kenya) – 2:04:37
Alphonce Felix Simbu (Tanzania) – 2:04:38
Mohamed Esa (Ethiopia) – 2:04:39
Conner Mantz (USA) – 2:04:43
Yohanes Chiappinelli (Italy) – 2:05:24
Benard Biwott (Kenya) – 2:05:25
Kennedy Kimutai (Kenya) – 2:05:27
Zouhair Talbi (USA)- 2:05:45
Richard Ringer (Germany) – 2:05:46
Sondre Moen (Norway) – 2:05:48
Galen Rupp (USA) – 2:06:07
Akira Akasaki (Japan) – 2:06:15
Tebello Ramakongoana (Lesotho) – 2:06:18
Andy Buchanan (Australia) – 2:06:22
Gemechu Dida (Ethiopia) – 2:06:45
Hendrik Pfeiffer (Germany) – 2:06:45
Rory Linkletter (Canada) – 2:06:49
Biya Simbassa (USA) – 2:06:53
Clayton Young (USA) – 2:07:04
Tsegay Weldlibanos (Eritrea) – 2:07:35
Patrick Tiernan (Australia) – 2:07:45
Ryan Ford (USA) – 2:08:00
CJ Albertson (USA) – 2:08:17
Yemane Haileselassie (Eritrea) – 2:08:25
Alex Maier (USA) – 2:08:33
Amaury Paquet (Belgium) – 2:08:44
Sam Chelanga (USA) – 2:08:50
Daniel Mesfun (USA) – 2:08:51
Wesley Kiptoo (USA) – 2:08:54
Ben Preisner (Canada) – 2:08:58
Segundo Jami (Ecuador) – 2:09:05
Turner Wiley (USA) – 2:09:27
Colin Bennie (USA) – 2:09:38
Christian Allen (USA) – 2:09:58
Charles Hicks (USA) – 2:09:59
Tiidrek Nurme (Estonia) – 2:10:02
Nick Hauger (USA) – 2:10:18
Joe Klecker (USA) – 2:10:37
Chris Maxon (USA) – 2:10:55
Juan Luis Barrios (Mexico) – 2:10:55
Jacob Thomson (USA) – 2:10:56
Thijs Nijhuis (Denmark) – 2:10:57
Barry Keane (Ireland) – 2:11:31
Jason Weitzel (USA) – 2:11:45
Murphy Smith (USA) – 2:11:59
Charlie Sweeney (USA) – 2:12:00
Robert Miranda (USA) – 2:12:07
Riley Nedrow (USA) – 2:12:47
Matias Silva (Chile) – 2:12:48
Ryan Johnson (USA) – 2:12:58
Martin Olesen (Denmark) – 2:13:17
Ben Olson (USA) – 2:13:25
Ryan Eiler (USA) – 2:13:36
Primoz Kobe (Slovenia) – 2:13:36
Jack Mastandrea (USA) – 2:14:02
Esteban Trujillo (USA) – 2:14:32
Dominic Arce (USA) – 2:14:32
Kristoffer Mugrage (USA) – 2:15:01
Edward Mulder (USA) – 2:15:07
Michael Ottesen (USA) – 2:15:21
Garrett Corcoran (USA) – 2:15:46
Charlie Lawrence (USA) – 2:16:10
Prescott Leach (USA) – 2:17:29
Karabo L Koenaite Sr. (South Africa) – 2:18:03
Meng-Tsung S Chu (Taipei) – 2:19:36
Aaron Metler (USA) – 2:19:48
Petter Engdahl (Sweden) – Debut
