The 2021 New York City Marathon champion Albert Korir has withdrawn from the 2025 Boston Marathon due to an ankle injury.

The Kenyan runner, a consistent top-five finisher in Boston in recent years, announced his withdrawal on social media, expressing his disappointment at missing the April 21st race.

“It’s with pain in my heart (and ankle) that I won’t be competing in Boston on Monday,” Korir wrote. “I badly twisted my ankle last Saturday during my last fartlek.

Being in Boston and competing with the best is only possible when you’re 100% physically okay.” He thanked the race organizers and fans for their support, promising to return in the future.

Korir has been a reliable performer on the Boston course, finishing sixth in 2022 (2:08:50), improving to fourth in 2023 (2:08:01), and securing fifth place last year with a personal Boston best of 2:07:47. His absence is a blow to the Kenyan contingent.

Despite Korir’s withdrawal, the 2025 Boston Marathon boasts a highly competitive field. Six of the top seven finishers from last year are returning, including two-time winner Evans Chebet and John Korir, who is fresh off his Chicago Marathon victory.

Also competing are Cyprian Kotut and Haymanot Alew, who finished second and third, respectively, at last year’s Berlin Marathon.

World champion Victor Kiplangat is aiming to become the first Ugandan man to win the race, while Ethiopia’s Muktar Edris, a two-time world 5000m champion, will be making his marathon debut.

Other notable entrants include Ethiopia’s Lelisa Desisa, Kenya’s Daniel Mateiko, and Tanzania’s Alphonce Felix Simbu.

The American challenge will be led by Conner Mantz and Clayton Young, who finished eighth and ninth, respectively, at last year’s Olympic marathon.

ALSO READ: All set for the 21st SOYA awards as Kenya celebrates sporting excellence