Kenya’s dominance in long-distance running was on full display at the 2025 New York City Marathon, as Benson Kipruto and Hellen Obiri delivered electrifying performances to claim the men’s and women’s titles respectively. On a crisp Sunday morning, the world’s largest marathon unfolded across the five boroughs, with more than 55,000 runners and millions of viewers watching a race that will be remembered for its thrilling finishes, record-breaking feats, and the unyielding spirit of competition.
Benson Kipruto, 34, emerged as the hero of the day in the men’s elite race, narrowly edging out fellow Kenyan Alexander Mutiso in what became the closest finish in New York Marathon history. Kipruto crossed the line in Central Park with a time of 2:08:09, just 0.16 seconds ahead of Mutiso. “The last part was so hard, but I was giving myself morale, saying ‘Come on you, you can win it, come on’,” Kipruto told reporters after the race. “I was pushing so hard to make sure I win.”
The duel between Kipruto and Mutiso captivated spectators, as the two runners broke away from the pack around mile 24. Kipruto seemed to have the race sewn up as he surged ahead in the final 200 meters, but Mutiso—winner of the 2024 London Marathon—launched a late sprint that nearly snatched victory. The pair’s dramatic dash to the finish line left fans breathless, and their sportsmanship was evident as they celebrated side by side after the race.
Albert Korir, the 2021 New York champion and another Kenyan standout, finished third with a time of 2:08:57. The podium sweep underscored Kenya’s continued legacy in marathon running, a tradition that has seen the nation’s athletes consistently dominate major global events.
Kipruto’s triumph in New York adds to an already impressive résumé, including major marathon victories in Boston (2021), Chicago (2022), and Tokyo (2024), as well as a bronze medal at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games. “I’m so happy to have my fourth win over a major marathon,” Kipruto said at the post-race press conference, reflecting on his journey through the world’s most prestigious races.
While the men’s finish was a photo-finish thriller, the women’s race delivered its own historic moment. Hellen Obiri, 35, stormed to victory with a new course record of 2:19:51, shattering the previous mark set by Margaret Okayo in 2003 by nearly three minutes. Obiri’s victory marked her second consecutive win in New York, following her 2023 triumph, and cemented her status as one of the sport’s elite competitors. “Amazing, it was a very good run for me,” Obiri said. “We had a very strong field and I said to myself ‘let me try to do my best.’ In my mind I said to myself to be patient. I knew Sharon was there and she has won the New York Marathon before. I said ‘Can I be the first one to win here?’”
Obiri’s late surge in the final mile allowed her to pull away from Sharon Lokedi, the 2022 champion, who finished second with a personal best of 2:20:07. Sheila Chepkirui, the defending champion, rounded out the top three in 2:20:24. All three Kenyan women finished under the old course record, a testament to the depth and quality of this year’s field. American Fiona O’Keeffe and Dutch Olympic champion Sifan Hassan also featured prominently, but couldn’t keep pace in the final stretch, finishing fourth and sixth respectively.
The wheelchair divisions saw their own champions crowned, with Switzerland’s Marcel Hug reclaiming the men’s title for a record seventh time, finishing in 1:30:16. Hug, a seven-time Paralympic champion, expressed his gratitude after the race: “It’s so overwhelming to win here in New York. It’s really nice to be back on the podium. It’s great.” In the women’s wheelchair race, American Susannah Scaroni defended her title with a time of 1:42:10, earning her third overall win in New York. Both Hug and Scaroni took home $50,000, the largest wheelchair division prize in the event’s history.
This year’s marathon was notable for the participation of Eliud Kipchoge, widely regarded as the greatest marathon runner of all time. The two-time Olympic gold medalist and former world record holder made his New York debut just days before his 41st birthday. Kipchoge finished 17th with a time of 2:14:36, in what many expect to be his final appearance at a major marathon. Despite not contending for the podium, Kipchoge’s presence was a source of inspiration for runners and fans alike, and he announced plans for a global marathon tour in the coming year.
Beyond the elite races, the marathon’s spirit was alive in the stories of everyday runners and the causes they championed. More than 600 charity partners were represented, raising millions for a variety of organizations. Celebrities such as hip-hop star N.O.R.E. and MTV Catfish host Nev Schulman joined the throng of participants, adding to the event’s festive atmosphere.
The 2025 marathon was not without controversy, as the event concluded amid anti-doping discussions following the suspension of Kenyan runner Ruth Chepngetich. Organizers and athletes alike reiterated their commitment to clean sport, even as Kenya’s dominance in the marathon world continues to draw scrutiny and admiration in equal measure.
Since its humble beginnings in 1970, when just 55 finishers looped Central Park, the New York City Marathon has grown into a global spectacle. The 54th edition started in Staten Island, wound through Brooklyn, Queens, and the Bronx, and finished in Manhattan’s iconic Central Park. With a guaranteed prize purse of $969,000 and fierce competition, the event remains a pinnacle for distance runners worldwide.
As the sun set on another unforgettable marathon Sunday, it was clear that the 2025 race had delivered on every front: drama, records, and unforgettable moments. Kipruto and Obiri’s victories will be etched in the annals of marathon history, while the thousands who crossed the finish line behind them carried home their own stories of perseverance and triumph.
