With good fortunes on American soil, John Korir is aiming to finish on the podium at Monday's Boston Marathon.
The two-time Los Angeles Marathon champion said his aim is not to win but if victory comes his way it will be a plus as he aims to earn a top-three finish in one of the most anticipated races.
Korir, who has been out of competition since finishing third in 2:05:01 — behind champion Benson Kipruto (2:04:24) and Seif Tura (2:04:49) at the Chicago Marathon in October last year — will be facing off with the top-most world marathoners led by world marathon record holder Eliud Kipchoge.
Others are compatriots Kipruto, defending champion Evans Chebet (2:03:00), Nobert Kigen (2:05:13), Mark Korir (2:05:49) and Michael Githae (2:07:28).
Korir said he is not under any pressure even though he expects the race to be one of the most watched across the world.
“It will be a tough race but my focus is on the podium. I am not under any pressure to deliver but to remain in line with what I have come here to do,” said Korir, who won the Los Angeles Marathon in a new 2:09:09 personal best.
He said he is also not focused on lowering his personal best time or even Geoffrey Mutai's 2:03:02 course record from 2011 due to the unpredictability of the Boston weather.
“We have been told that it might rain on race day so lowering my time is not in my mind at the moment. Finishing the race is the most important thing right now,” said Korir, younger brother to former Los Angeles Marathon champion Wesley Korir.
“This will be my first time competing at the Boston Marathon, a dream I have had for a long time. In addition, America has been a good hunting ground for me,” said Korir.
His brother, Wesley, is a two-time Los Angeles Marathon winner — 2009 and 2010 — and won the Boston Marathon title in 2012, one of his five attempts.
