NEW YORK: Kenya celebrated a remarkable sweep of the men’s and women’s podiums at the New York City Marathon on Sunday, highlighted by a nail-biting finish in the men’s race and a historic record in the women’s event.
Benson Kipruto captured the men’s title in 2:08:09, out-sprinting Alexander Mutiso in the final strides of Central Park. The Kenyan held off his compatriot by less than two-tenths of a second in a dramatic photo finish, while 2021 champion Albert Korir completed the all-Kenyan podium in third with a time of 2:08:57.
“It was amazing. The last part was so hard,” Kipruto said. “I was pushing so hard to make sure I win.” The victory marked his fourth major marathon triumph.
In the women’s race, Paris Olympic bronze medalist Hellen Obiri stormed to a course-record 2:19:51, smashing a 22-year-old mark set by Margaret Okayo. Obiri, who also won in 2023, edged Sharon Lokedi (2:20:07) after the pair ran side-by-side deep into the final stages, while last year’s champion Sheila Chepkirui (2:20:24) took third.
“We had a very strong field,” said Obiri, who earned an extra $50,000 for the record. “Let me try to do my best, let me push.”
With dominance on both sides, Kenya once again stamped its authority on marathon running’s grand stage in New York.
