Boston Marathon 2026 Preview: Favorites, Top Americans & Predictions

The 2026 Boston Marathon is here and it’s loaded.

Listen to the full episode of This Week In Track and Field on The CITIUS MAG Podcast below:

▶️ SPOTIFY: open.spotify.com/episode/24T84FKWsaDAAJghvkrNs6

▶️ APPLE PODCASTS: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/this-week-in-track-field-gout-gouts-19-67-world-u20/id1204506559

Storylines to watch:
👟 Women’s race: Lokedi vs. the world

The favorite:
Sharon Lokedi enters as defending champ and fastest PB in the field.
Nearly flawless resume: only beaten by all-time greats (Obiri, Hassan, Gidey, Assefa).

Key challengers:
Irene Cheptai (4th in 2025 Boston)
Workenesh Edesa (already raced Osaka, proven quick turnaround)
Mary Ngugi-Cooper (multiple Boston podiums)

🇺🇸 American storyline:
Loaded field: O’Keeffe, Sisson, Popehn, McClain, Kemp, Sullivan
Plus Annie Frisbie, Amanda Vestri, Sara Hall

🥇 Men’s race: Korir vs. Kipruto (and everyone else)
Headliners:
John Korir (defending Boston champ, 2:02:24 PB)
Benson Kipruto (2025 NYC champ, consistent major winner)

Context:
Both chase dominance reminiscent of Evans Chebet’s 2022–23 run.

Top contenders:
Alphonce Simbu, Cybrian Kotut (2025 podium)
Abdi Nageeye (NYC champ)
Milkesa Mengesha (Berlin champ)

Dark horses:
Lemi Berhanu (former Boston winner, resurgent form)
Hailemaryam Kiros (Sydney champ, limited but strong racing)

🇺🇸 American men: Opportunity opens
Mantz’s withdrawal reshapes the race
Clayton Young leads U.S. hopes for top-5 contention

Key names:
Zouhair Talbi (2:05:45, Houston winner)
Galen Rupp (2:06:07 PB, nearing 40)
Ryan Ford, Wesley Kiptoo, CJ Albertson (top-15 returners)
Alex Maier (rising talent, 2:08:33 PB)

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