Arrigoni Hall of Fame
Leonard Korir stands among the most decorated student-athletes in Iona University history and has carried the Maroon & Gold onto the global stage as a two-time Olympian and one of the premier American distance runners of his generation.
A 2012 graduate with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, Korir was a transformative figure for Iona’s cross country and track & field programs. In 2011, he made history as the first NCAA Champion in school history, claiming national titles in both the indoor 5,000-meter and outdoor 10,000-meter events. Across his illustrious collegiate career, Korir earned eight NCAA All-America honors and was named the 2011 MAAC Most Outstanding Track Performer. He left New Rochelle with multiple top-five performances in the Iona record books, including a still-standing school record of 27:29.40 in the outdoor 10,000-meter and 13:19.54 in the indoor 5,000-meter.
Following graduation, Korir enlisted in the U.S. Army and joined the elite World Class Athlete Program. He gained U.S. citizenship in 2015 and swiftly made his mark on the international scene, representing Team USA in the 10,000-meter event at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio, finishing 14th overall and second among American runners. He narrowly missed qualifying for the Tokyo Games in 2020 and returned to Olympic competition in 2024, earning his second U.S. team selection—this time in the marathon.
Korir’s post-Iona résumé includes multiple national championships across distances from the 8K to the half marathon, World Championship appearances, and podium finishes at many of the country’s most prestigious road races. As a Staff Sergeant in the U.S. Army, he exemplifies service, resilience, and excellence.
