Redemption Run: All Eyes on John Korir in Valencia
TOP STORIESELITE & INDUSTRY NEWS
The marathon world has seen its share of ups and downs this year, but few stories carry the weight of redemption now surrounding John Korir. Just weeks after a disappointing outcome in Chicago, the two-time World Marathon Major winner has been thrown into one of the fastest races on Earth, carrying a singular, focused goal. Korir, a Kenyan powerhouse, brings numbers to the starting line that demand attention.
We caught up with John Korir, and his definitive statement on his late entry into the race cuts through all the noise of records and money:
"My goal is to win the race - nothing else."
His personal best of 2:02:44, set when he won the 2024 Chicago Marathon, makes him one of the fastest men in history. He backed up that performance earlier this year by also winning the 2025 Boston Marathon with a time of 2:04:45. These victories place him firmly among the sport's elite.
The Chicago DNF Setback and the Quote of Resilience
However, the spotlight shifted at the 2025 Chicago Marathon. The reigning champion, aiming for the top of the podium and an ambitious sub-2:01 time, was forced to DNF (Did Not Finish). It was a tough, high-profile setback—a stark reminder that even the greatest runners have bad days.
In the immediate aftermath, Korir offered a succinct, professional, and optimistic response that spoke volumes about his character:
"Today was not my day we will try next time. To my fans I will be back like never before."
The Staggering Numbers: Prize Money and Korir's Late Valencia Entry
True to his word, the "next time" has arrived almost immediately. In a late, strategic move, Korir was officially added to the 2025 Valencia Marathon Trinidad Alfonso field on Tuesday, December 2, 2025, just days before the race.
The numbers in Valencia are staggering. Beyond the prestige of the famously flat and fast course, the financial incentives are unparalleled:
The winner's prize can be up to €75,000 (if the winning time is under 2:04:30).
The standing World Record Bonus is an astonishing €1 Million for the man or woman who breaks the current World Record of 2:00:35.
This is more than a race for Korir; it is a chance to prove that the Chicago DNF was an anomaly. All eyes in the running world will be watching to see if this late entry—fueled by the desire for redemption—can achieve his singular goal and close out the year with another major victory.
We wish John Korir the very best in the 2025 Valencia Marathon!