130th Boston Marathon Preview: 5 Must-Watch Storylines + Our Bold Winner Picks

130th Boston Marathon Preview: 5 Must-Watch Storylines + Our Bold Winner Picks

From Marathon Handbook Podcast by Marathon Handbook

April 14, 2026 · 37 min

About this episode

Michael and Jessy preview the 130th Boston Marathon by discussing key storylines and making bold predictions for the race winners.

Patriots Day is almost here — and Michael and Jessy are in full Boston Marathon mode. In this episode, they break down the five biggest stories heading into the 130th Boston Marathon on Monday, April 20th, before laying out their bold picks for the men's and women's race winners and top American finishers. Story 1 – Kipruto vs. Korir: The Headliner Matchup Past champion Benson Kipruto (Boston 2021, Chicago 2022, Tokyo 2024, New York 2024) returns to face defending champion John Korir in what shapes up as the defining men's storyline. Their personal bests are separated by just eight seconds, but as Michael and Jessy discuss, Boston is never won on speed alone — Newton Hills, race tactics, and championship experience are just as decisive. Story 2 – Can Anyone Beat the Defending Women's Champion? The defending women's champion is the heavy favourite, but with her fiercest rival Helen Obiri absent from the field this year, the dynamic shifts. Does she need that neck-and-neck rivalry to bring out her best? Jessy breaks down the closest challengers on paper, including Irene Cheptai and Worknesh Edesa, and why Emily Sisson is the American name to watch. Story 3 – Top American Men: Who…

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