In an unexpected turn of events at the Boilermaker 15K on Sunday, John Korir claimed the top spot, surprising many onlookers. Korir, who had finished second in his debut race through the streets of Utica last year, emerged victorious this time, defeating his fellow Kenyan, Jemal Yimer. Yimer, who had set records and won the race for the past two years, finished just five seconds behind Korir’s winning time of 42 minutes, 10.04 seconds.
Korir, 27, is renowned for his victories at the Los Angeles Marathon in 2021 and 2022. He is not to be confused with the John Korir who won the Boilermaker in 1999, 2001, 2003, and 2004; the younger Korir is the brother of Wesley Korir, a two-time Los Angeles Marathon champion and the 2012 Boston Marathon winner.
Yimer, also 27, crossed the finish line over eight seconds after Korir, echoing the margin by which he won last year’s race. Wesley Kiptoo, who finished third, trailed nearly a full minute behind the leading duo.
Expressing his joy, Korir said, “It feels great. It’s wonderful to see all the supporters out there cheering. I’m excited to come back next year.”
The race saw nearly 8,000 participants completing the 15K, with over 3,600 runners taking part in the 5K event earlier in the morning. The races began in pleasant conditions at around 65 degrees, but the temperature rose to the mid-70s as the 15K runners continued to finish in front of the F.X. Matt Brewery.
Biya Simbassa, the fastest American in the 15K, spoke about the challenging weather, saying, “When you’re racing, you don’t feel it much. It’s after you finish that you really feel it.” Originally from Ethiopia and now based in Flagstaff, Arizona, Simbassa placed eighth with a time of 43:52.48, noting the course’s difficulty.
In the women’s 15K, Grace Nawowuna was crowned the winner in a thrilling finish, narrowly defeating Emmaculate Anya Achol by less than .2 seconds. Nawowuna and Achol, both Kenyans now living in West Chester, Pennsylvania, finished almost simultaneously with times of 49:17.82 and 49:18.00, respectively. Cynthia Jerotic Limo, another Kenyan, was just over a second behind Achol, while defending champion Jesca Chelangat finished fourth, 17 seconds later.
Annamaria Kostarellis, a native of Rochester now residing in Arkansas, was the fastest American woman, placing eighth. Reflecting on her first Boilermaker experience, Kostarellis said, “I heard about the Boilermaker growing up. When I considered a trip back home, this seemed like the perfect opportunity to represent Rochester.” She had added the Boilermaker to her schedule after withdrawing from the U.S. Olympic trials due to an untimely injury. “It was incredibly exciting,” she said. “I love the energy and the community here. I hope to return. Please invite me back.”
