© Copyright – 2025 – Athletics Illustrated

“Make your mark in New York and you are a made man.”

— Mark Twain.

Kenyans Hellen Obiri and Benson Kipruto lead a Kenyan sweep of the 2025 New York City Marathon. Kipruto won in the time of two hours and eight minutes and nine seconds. Obiri clocked in at a course record-smashing 2:19:21.

Women’s race

Obiri 35, outkicked Kenyan rival and 2022 winner Sharon Lokedi over the closing stages. At the same time, obliterating the previous course record as the 2024 winner, Sheila Chepkirui rounded out an all-Kenya podium. The previous course record of 2:22:31 was set by Kenyan Margaret Okayo in 2003.

Obiri, who won in 2023 and is known for her 5000m prowess, being a two-time Olympic silver medallist in the event, separated from the field with the two others in tow heading into the Bronx at 32 km (20 miles). American Fiona O’Keeffe and Dutch runner Sifan Hassan had attempted to form a pack of five once they entered Manhattan, but could not hold on over the final 10 km.

This was the first time that the previous three women’s winners had been in the same race since 2018.

O’Keeffe finished fourth. Fellow American Annie Frisbie finished fifth. Hassan, who won the Sydney Marathon two months ago, was a surprising sixth, being a pre-race favourite. Four of the top nine women’s finishers were Americans.

Men’s race

Kipruto 34, claimed the dramatic victory, outkicking compatriot Alexander Mutiso in a spectacular final sprint to win by just 0.1 seconds — the closest New York marathon finish in history. Kipruto, a two-time World Marathon Major winner, crossed the line in 2:08:56. Former champion Albert Korir completed the Kenyan podium sweep in third with 2:08:57.

Great Britain’s Patrick Dever was fourth overall, with the Preston Harrier in 2:08:58.

In the elite wheelchair races, Marcel Hug and Susannah Scaroni successfully defend their titles. 

Eliud Kipchoge, who turns 41 on Wednesday, wrapped up a historic career as one of the greatest marathoners in history. He ran New York for the first time and finished in 17th position, without the pressure of his past concerning him or the fans; it was a farewell of sorts and the seventh of seven Marathon Majors.

Kenyan Albert Korir, who won in 2021, was third for the men, giving Kenya a sweep of the top three spots in both the men’s and women’s races.

Results

POS.NAMENAT.TIME
1Benson KiprutoKEN2:08:09
2Alexander MutisoKEN2:08:09
3Albert KorirKEN2:08:57
4Patrick DeverGBR2:08:58
5Matthias KyburzSUI2:09:55
6Joel ReichowUSA2:09:56
7Charles HicksUSA2:09:59
8Sondre NordstadNOR2:10:15
9Tsegay WeldlibanosERI2:10:36
10Joe KleckerUSA2:10:37
11Daniele MeucciITA2:10:40
12 Hillary BorUSA2:10:47
13Abbabiya SimbassaUSA2:10:53
14Abel KipchumbaKEN2:11:06
POS.NAMENAT.TIME
1Hellen ObiriKEN2:19:51
2Sharon LokediKEN2:20:07
3Sheila ChepkiruiKEN2:20:24
4Fiona O’KeeffeUSA2:22:49
5Annie FrisbieUSA2:24:12
6Sifan Hassan NED2:24:43
7Jessica Warner-JuddGBR2:24:45
8Emily SissonUSA2:25:05
9Amanda VestriUSA2:25:40
10Fionnuala McCormackIRL2:27:00
11Susanna SullivanUSA2:28:34

RESULTS MEN’S WHEELCHARE MARATHON

POS.NAMENAT.TIME
1Marcel HugSUI01:30:16
2David WeirGBR01:34:09
3Tomoki SuzukiJPN01:36:28
4Jetze PlatNED01:38:46
5Evan CorrellUSA01:40:07
6Miguel Jimenez VergaraUSA01:43:02
7 1Sho WatanabeJPN01:43:33
8 1Joshua CassidyCAN01:43:38
9Johnboy SmithGBR01:44:22
10Jason RobinsonUSA01:46:16

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