Wesley Korir, Boston, April 16, 2012 

When John Korir took the tape on Boylston Street this year to win the Boston Marathon, it marked a rare double. 

Alongside his brother Wesley, the pair became the first siblings in the history of the event to record victories. 

In a race with 129 years under its belt, it was surprising it hadn’t happened before. 

Wesley’s triumph at the 116th Boston Marathon in 2012 was on an even warmer day than John had to contend with this year. Navigating grueling conditions that touched 80ºF, he finished in 2:12:40, one of the slowest winning times since 1985.  

When he returned in 2013, it was not just as defending champion, but also as a member of the Kenyan Parliament, making him the first ever Kenyan sitting legislator to compete in an international marathon. He finished fifth that year, before the tragic events that occurred near the finish line rendered all results irrelevant. 

Wesley was a rare breed among the East African athletes of his era, always voicing his opinions and championing the cause of his fellow runners.  
 
In another element of symmetry with his younger brother’s win 13 years later, Wesley pledged his prize money towards the building of a hospital back home. John immediately displayed the same philanthropic nature after his win in 2025, declaring his winnings would go to the Transcend Talent Academy in the hopes of developing another future Boston champions.