NEW YORK, UNITED STATES – Kenyan athletes delivered a historic and commanding performance at the 2025 TCS New York City Marathon on Sunday, November 2, securing clean sweeps of the podiums in both the elite men's and women's races. Hellen Obiri defended her title with a sensational course-record time, while Benson Kipruto captured the men's crown in one of the closest finishes in the event's history, reaffirming Kenya's global dominance in long-distance running.

The results from New York sent waves of celebration across Kenya, highlighting the nation's deep reservoir of world-class marathon talent. The event, which saw over 55,000 runners compete, concluded on Sunday evening East Africa Time (EAT).

Obiri Smashes Two-Decade-Old Record

In the women's elite race, Hellen Obiri, 35, achieved a spectacular victory, crossing the finish line in Central Park with a time of 2 hours, 19 minutes, and 51 seconds. Her performance shattered the previous course record of 2:22:31, set by fellow Kenyan Margaret Okayo in 2003, by nearly three minutes. For her record-breaking win, Obiri earned a total prize of $150,000, which includes the $100,000 winner's purse and a $50,000 bonus for the course record, according to race organizers New York Road Runners (NYRR).

Obiri, who also won the New York City Marathon in 2023, pulled away from 2022 champion Sharon Lokedi in the final mile of the race. Lokedi finished second in 2:20:07, and the 2024 winner, Sheila Chepkirui, secured third place with a time of 2:20:24, completing the all-Kenyan podium. Notably, all three top finishers ran faster than the old course record, underscoring the blistering pace of the race.

"We had a very strong field," Obiri stated after the race on Sunday. "[I told myself] let me try to do my best, let me push."

Kipruto Wins by a Heartbeat

The men's race provided a breathtaking conclusion, with Benson Kipruto, 34, winning his debut New York City Marathon in a dramatic photo finish. Kipruto clocked an official time of 2 hours, 8 minutes, and 9 seconds, edging out compatriot Alexander Mutiso by mere hundredths of a second in the closest men's finish in the marathon's 54-year history. The margin of victory was recorded as just three-hundredths of a second.

Kipruto, a Paris Olympics bronze medalist, battled Mutiso through the final miles before a last-gasp surge from Mutiso made for a thrilling sprint to the tape. "The last part was so hard," Kipruto said. "I was pushing so hard to make sure I win." Albert Korir, the 2021 champion, finished third in 2:08:57 to complete the Kenyan sweep of the men's podium.

With this victory, Kipruto becomes the first man to win four different Abbott World Marathon Majors, having previously won in Boston (2021), Chicago (2022), and Tokyo (2024).

A Moment of National Pride

The double podium sweep marks a significant moment for Kenyan athletics. For the first time in the history of the New York City Marathon's five-borough course, one nation has claimed all top three spots in both the men's and women's elite races. The victories were widely celebrated across Kenya, with citizens taking to social media to express their pride.

The event also featured the highly anticipated New York debut of marathon legend Eliud Kipchoge. The two-time Olympic champion, who holds the unofficial sub-two-hour marathon record, finished 17th with a time of 2:14:36. While not a victorious outing, his participation completed his goal of running all six Abbott World Marathon Majors.

The dominant Kenyan performance in New York serves as a powerful statement of the country's enduring legacy and bright future in marathon running on the world's most prestigious stages.