Kenyans Kipruto and Obiri win New York City Marathon

Kenyans Benson Kipruto and Hellen Obiri won the men's and women's categories, respectively, of the New York City Marathon. Obiri, who had already won the race in 2023, staged a spectacular sprint to take the victory, setting a new record in the event.

In fact, the top three finishers all ran under the best time ever recorded in the race. Obiri, winner in New York in 2023, distanced herself from compatriot Sharon Lokedi with half a mile to go, crossing the line in 2 hours, 19 minutes and 51 seconds.

Obiri's time smashed the course record of 2 hours, 22 minutes and 31 seconds, held for 22 years, set by fellow Kenyan Margaret Okayo in 2003. Lokedi, winner in New York in 2022, finished second with a time of 2:20:07, while last year's winner, Sheila Chepkirui, was third with 2:20:24.

Heart-stopping finish in the men's category

In the men's event, Kenyan Kipruto surpassed his compatriot Alexander Mutiso by mere hundredths of a second, the closest finish in the history of the New York Marathon.

A thrilling duel in perfect conditions saw Mutiso almost catch Kipruto with a last-ditch effort in the final feet. The winner crossed the finish line in 2 hours, 8 minutes and 9 seconds, with compatriot Mutiso just 16 hundredths of a second behind.