Two-time Los Angeles Marathon champion John Korir has attributed his dismal show in Chicago to a slight injury in his left leg.
Korir was third on his debut in the Chicago Marathon in 2:05:01, behind winner Benson Kipruto (2:04:24) and Ethiopia's Seifa Tura (2:04:49) who took the first two places.
Korir said he had high hopes of winning the race was it not for the injury he incurred at the 38th kilometre mark.
“I wanted to run 2:04 but my plans did not work out due to the injury. All the same, I enjoyed the race even though the outcome is not what I had expected," he added.
Korir thanked his elder brother Wesley Kipchumba, a former Boston Marathon champion, for assisting him in training. "I also want to thank my coach Ronn Mann and training mates for believing in me," he added.
He said apart from the injury mishap at the 38km mark, all was smooth for him in his first major marathon, instilling hope that the future is bright.
Korir finished second in Houston Half Marathon in 1:00:27 in January this year and clocked 2:09:07 to win Los Angeles Marathon in March.
Korir promised to return stronger next season, where he hopes to improve on his personal best. His current plan is to take a month’s break before resuming training.
