NEW YORK : Kenya’s Sheila Chepkirui reclaimed the women’s New York City Marathon title on Sunday, winning in two hours, 24 minutes and 36 seconds, while Sweden’s Andreas Almgren made an impressive debut over the distance to take the men’s crown.
Chepkirui, the 2024 champion, crossed the finish line alone to secure her second victory in New York. American Jess McClain finished second in 2:24:42, just one second ahead of Kenya’s defending champion Hellen Obiri, who had to settle for third.
Obiri and Chepkirui broke away from the leading pack with about four miles remaining, with Obiri staying close behind her compatriot in pursuit of a second consecutive title after setting a course record last year.
However, McClain produced a late surge to overtake Obiri in the closing moments and claim the runner-up spot.
“The last mile was really tricky and I had to be patient because I knew Hellen was really strong,” Chepkirui said. “I had to really push up to the finish line.”
In the men’s race, half-marathon world champion Almgren clocked 2:06:01 to finish 13 seconds ahead of Italy’s Yemaneberhan Crippa. Lesotho’s Kamohelo Mofolo was third in 2:06:26.
Almgren stayed with a crowded leading group through the demanding, hilly course before pulling away from defending champion Benson Kipruto with a mile remaining.
The Swede then extended his advantage, waving his arms to encourage cheers from spectators as he cruised towards the finish.
“When Benson started picking up the pace with 5k left I just thought, ‘I’ve got the legs today’,” Almgren said. “You can’t ask for a better debut… I’m about to start crying.”
The victory made Almgren the first European man in three decades to win the race, which winds through New York’s five boroughs. He said he intended to run the marathon again.
“It’s better than anything I could have ever imagined,” he said.
The race took place in clear conditions the morning after Halloween, as runners gathered on Staten Island for the final major marathon of the year.
In the men’s wheelchair race, Switzerland’s Marcel Hug secured his eighth New York title after edging American rival Daniel Romanchuk in a thrilling sprint finish. Hug clocked 1:28:14, finishing one second ahead of Romanchuk.
Hug’s compatriot Catherine Debrunner won the women’s wheelchair race in 1:40:02. American Tatyana McFadden finished second in 1:48:28, four seconds ahead of fellow American Susannah Scaroni.
Scaroni competed after giving birth in August, with her baby son Jonah waiting to celebrate with her at the finish line.
