Houston half marathon runner-up John Korir will not defend his title on January 15, 2023 citing inadequate preparations.
Instead, Korir said he is focusing on the Boston Marathon, set for April 23 next year, where he will run alongside world record holder Eliud Kipchoge and Chicago Marathon champion Benson Kipruto.
“I feel like I have not done enough training to compete in Houston. I had a few issues I needed to handle but now my eyes are set for Boston,” said the newly-wed Korir.
“My target is to finish on the podium in Boston," Korir said, adding that he hopes to leave a mark on his debut of the city.
The two-time Los Angeles Marathon champion said he has just resumed training and committing to run in January would be hasty.
“My training will focus on hill running since Boston is a very hilly course, Korir said.
And following successful outings on American soil, Korir is hoping to extend his prowess.
At the 2022 Armaco Houston Half Marathon, Korir clocked 1:00:27 behind winner Milkesa Tolosa of Ethiopia (1:00:24).
He also won the 2021 and 2022 Los Angeles Marathon editions, clocking respective times of 2:12:49 and 2:09:08.
In his Chicago Marathon debut this year, Korir timed 2:05:01 for third, behind winner Benson Kipruto (2:04:24) and Ethiopia's Seifa Tura (2:04:49)
