NAIROBI, Kenya, Oct 13 – Kenya’s 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.
His leading margin continued to grow, and by 40km his lead was 92 seconds over Kipruto and Ethiopia’s Huseydin Mohamed Esa.
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).
