Sheila Chepkirui made a stunning debut today, winning the women’s title at the New York City Marathon with a time of 2:24:35.
Hellen Obiri, the reigning champion and Olympic bronze medalist, finished just 14 seconds later, while Vivian Cheruiyot completed a Kenyan podium sweep with a time of 2:25:21.
Chepkirui, who previously set a personal best of 2:17:29 in Valencia in 2022, showcased her resilience on the demanding New York course, outpacing Obiri to secure the title in her inaugural marathon.
Obiri sought to replicate her extraordinary feat from last year, becoming the first woman in 34 years to win both the Boston and New York City Marathons in the same year, having triumphed in Boston last April.
If You Missed: Ruth Chepngetich breaks world record in Chicago marathon
In the men’s race, Abdi Nageeye of the Netherlands clinched the title with a time of 2:07:39. The Somalia-born Dutch runner, who placed third in New York in 2022 and won a silver medal at the Tokyo Olympics, narrowly defeated Kenya’s Evans Chebet by just six seconds.
Albert Korir rounded out the podium in third place with a time of 2:08:00. Two-time champion Geoffrey Kamworor finished fifth in 2:08:50, trailing 2023 champion Tamirat Tola of Ethiopia, who placed fourth in 2:08:12.
