The 2025 TCS New York City Marathon delivered drama, history, and a showcase of elite athleticism across the heart of New York on November 2, 2025. Under sunny skies and near-perfect running conditions, more than 50,000 runners and wheelchair racers took to the iconic 26.2-mile course, weaving through all five boroughs in a spectacle that drew the world’s attention. What unfolded was a day of record-breaking performances, razor-thin finishes, and emotional comebacks that will be talked about for years to come.
In the women’s professional division, Hellen Obiri of Kenya etched her name into marathon lore by shattering a 22-year-old course record. Obiri, who previously claimed the New York crown in 2023, surged ahead of her compatriot Sharon Lokedi in the final mile, crossing the Central Park finish in 2 hours, 19 minutes, and 51 seconds. That time obliterated Margaret Okayo’s longstanding 2003 record of 2:22:31 by over two minutes. “It feels so great. ... I am so happy to run the course record,” Obiri told reporters after her win. “With 1K to go I felt like I was so strong. I have something left in my tank.”
The women’s race was a tactical battle among a star-studded field. For the first time since 2018, the previous three women’s champions—Obiri, Lokedi, and defending champion Sheila Chepkirui—lined up together. They didn’t disappoint. The trio broke away from the pack as the race entered the Bronx around Mile 20, with American Fiona O’Keeffe and Dutch sensation Sifan Hassan forming a leading group of five as they entered Manhattan. But the relentless pace proved too much, and by the final six miles, only the Kenyan trio remained in contention.
Obiri made her decisive move with less than a mile to go, leaving Lokedi behind and finishing 16 seconds clear. Lokedi claimed second in 2:20:07, with Chepkirui rounding out the all-Kenyan podium at 2:20:24. All three top finishers eclipsed the old course record, underscoring the depth and dominance of Kenyan women’s distance running. It marked the second consecutive year that Kenyan women swept the podium in New York, reinforcing their reign over the marathon distance.
American Fiona O’Keeffe’s performance was another headline-grabber. She finished fourth in 2:22:49, breaking Molly Seidel’s American course record from 2021. “Really exciting. I can't take too much credit for the time; that was all on the women ahead of me,” O’Keeffe said, expressing gratitude for being back in marathon racing after injury setbacks. Annie Frisbie, Emily Sisson, and Amanda Vestri also cracked the women’s top ten, signaling a strong showing from the U.S. contingent.
Sifan Hassan, the six-time Olympic medalist and reigning Sydney Marathon champion, made her New York debut just nine weeks after her last major victory. She battled valiantly but faded in the closing miles, finishing sixth. Obiri admitted to feeling the pressure: “I was so afraid, like, ‘Sifan is coming.’ She’s so strong. She broke us in the Olympics. So that was on my mind.”
The men’s race, meanwhile, delivered one of the most thrilling conclusions in marathon history. Benson Kipruto of Kenya, making his New York debut, appeared to have the race in hand as he raised his arms in celebration just before the finish line. But Alexander Mutiso Munyao, also of Kenya, wasn’t done—he surged in the final meters, nearly overtaking Kipruto. In a heart-stopping finish, Kipruto edged Mutiso by a mere three hundredths of a second, the closest margin in New York City Marathon history. Kipruto’s official time: 2:08:09, with Mutiso clocking the same time to the second.
“I was aware that Mutiso was behind,” Kipruto shared after the race. “It was so close and I knew because I know Mutiso is a strong guy.” The victory added another jewel to Kipruto’s crown, as he’s now triumphed in marathon majors in Tokyo, Chicago, Boston, and New York—a testament to his consistency and grit. “I think there’s no secret in winning and finishing on the podium. Just believe in yourself and have patience and believe in training, what you are doing. I think that’s kept me running.”
Albert Korir, the 2021 New York champion, finished third, securing a Kenyan sweep of the men’s podium as well. The top American finisher was Joel Reichow, who placed sixth with a personal best of 2:09:56. Reichow, relatively unheralded on the world stage, reflected on his breakthrough: “I just wanted to prove that I can compete with the top Americans, and I definitely did that today.” Charles Hicks and Joe Klecker also finished in the men’s top ten, with Klecker making an impressive marathon debut.
The marathon was also notable for the participation of Eliud Kipchoge, widely regarded as the greatest marathoner of all time. Competing in his first New York City Marathon at age 40, Kipchoge finished 17th in 2:14:36. While he couldn’t add a New York win to his storied career, his presence electrified the crowd. At a post-race press conference, Kipchoge announced plans for a “world tour” to compete in marathons across all seven continents, aiming to “remind everyone that no human is limited.”
Wheelchair racers also had their moment in the sun. Marcel Hug of Switzerland, known as the Silver Bullet, dominated the men’s wheelchair race, winning his seventh New York title in 1:30:16—over three minutes ahead of David Weir. On the women’s side, American Susannah Scaroni defended her title in style, crossing the line in 1:42:10 for her third win in four years. Tatyana McFadden, a five-time champion, finished second, underscoring the strength of the American field.
The 2025 edition marked the 49th year of the marathon’s five-borough course, a tradition that began in 1976. From its humble beginnings with just 55 finishers, the event has grown into one of the world’s largest and most prestigious races. Last year’s record of 55,642 finishers was only recently surpassed by the London Marathon, but New York’s spirit remains unmatched.
As the city recovers from the excitement, the 2025 TCS New York City Marathon will be remembered for its historic finishes, record-breaking performances, and the enduring power of athletic dreams. With Kenyan athletes sweeping the podiums and new records set, the marathon’s legacy only grows stronger, promising more unforgettable moments in the years ahead.
