John Korir to donate part of his Ksh19.6M Boston Marathon winning to charity
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Reading Time: 2min | Fri. 25.04.25. | 20:02
The 28-year-old on Monday joined his brother Wesley Korir in winning the Boston Marathon
There is a timeless saying that goes, "There is no better exercise for the heart than reaching down and helping others."
This saying found its rightful dwelling in 2025 Boston Marathon champion John Korir, who is making the victory count for more than just himself.
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The 28-year-old produced a dominant performance at the marathon.
Korir was running on his own past the 30km mark with none of his rivals able to match his speed and went on to win the race in 2:04:45, the third fastest time ever recorded in Boston.
He completed a family double at Boston as he joined his brother Wesley Korir as the first-ever siblings to have won the race, the latter claiming it in 2012.
The victory earned him $150,000 (Ksh19.6 million).
However, rather than keeping it all to himself, Korir has announced that he will donate part of the money to the Transcend Talent Academy in Kitale, Trans Nzoia County.
The reason for his philanthropic acts?
“It is important because I was brought up there. They paid my school fees when I was in high school, so I still consider myself one of them,” Korir told The Citius Mag Podcast.
His brother Wesley is the founder of Transcend Talent Academy, a school he set up in 2009 through his Transcend Foundation to give opportunities to talented but needy students.
The school provides full scholarships, focusing on young people who show promise in athletics.
“I train there; I live close to there. It is just two miles from my house. That’s where I get my massage and see my physio. It’s home,” Korir continued.
The Academy now has 160 students, with 22 already earning scholarships to American universities through athletics.
Its first group of Form Four students just sat for their KCSE exams in 2024.
Korir’s contribution will go a long way in helping the school continue supporting its students both in the classroom and on the track.
Besides financial support, Korir encourages the students at the school to believe in their abilities.
“I always tell the kids to believe in themselves because one day, they will be champions too. In Kenya, many people do not wish each other well, but I encourage them,” he said.
The marathoner often credits his brother as the biggest influence in his athletics journey.
“Wesley is like my father. When I’m down, he’s there. When I’m stressed, he encourages me. We’re good because we’re always there for each other,” he shared.
