NAIROBI – Kenya asserted its global dominance in long-distance running on Sunday, November 2, 2025, with a historic double podium sweep at the TCS New York City Marathon. Hellen Obiri defended her title in the women’s race by shattering a 22-year-old course record, while Benson Kipruto captured the men’s title in the closest finish in the event's history.

The victories marked the first time Kenyan athletes have claimed all six podium spots across the men's and women's elite races at the prestigious World Athletics Platinum Label event.

Obiri Smashes Two-Decade-Old Record

Hellen Obiri, 35, delivered a commanding performance, crossing the finish line in Central Park with a time of 2 hours, 19 minutes, and 51 seconds. Her remarkable run obliterated the previous course record of 2:22:31, set by fellow Kenyan Margaret Okayo in 2003, by nearly three minutes. For this achievement, Obiri earned a $50,000 course record bonus in addition to the $100,000 winner's prize.

The race featured a formidable field, including the last three winners of the event. Obiri, the 2023 champion, ran alongside 2022 winner Sharon Lokedi and defending champion Sheila Chepkirui for much of the race. The trio broke away from the lead pack after the 20-mile mark. In the final miles, Obiri unleashed a decisive surge to pull away from Lokedi, who finished second in 2:20:07. Chepkirui completed the Kenyan sweep, securing third place with a time of 2:20:24. Notably, all three women finished inside the previous course record, underscoring the blistering pace of the race.

This victory continues a stellar run for Obiri, a two-time Olympic silver medalist in the 5000m, who has successfully transitioned to the marathon, winning the Boston Marathon earlier in the year.

Kipruto Wins by a Heartbeat

The men’s race provided a nail-biting conclusion in what became the closest finish in the New York City Marathon's 56-year history. Benson Kipruto, 34, won his debut New York title, clocking 2:08:09, officially edging out compatriot Alexander Mutiso by just hundredths of a second in a photo finish. The two were inseparable in the final stretch, with Kipruto’s desperate lean at the tape proving decisive.

"I was pushing so hard to make sure I win," Kipruto stated after the race, according to ESPN. The tactical race saw a large pack remain together through the halfway point, which was passed in a conservative 1:05:18. The decisive moves came in the final few miles as Kipruto and Mutiso broke away. Albert Korir, the 2021 champion, finished third in 2:08:57 to complete the all-Kenyan podium.

This victory adds to Kipruto's impressive collection of World Marathon Major titles, which already includes wins in Boston (2021), Chicago (2022), and Tokyo (2024). The win earned him a $100,000 prize.

Kenyan Dominance and Global Standing

The unprecedented 1-2-3 finishes in both elite categories highlight Kenya's deep talent pool and continued supremacy in marathon running on the world stage. The challenging, hilly course through New York's five boroughs is a true test of endurance and strategy, and Sunday's results were a powerful statement of athletic prowess.

The event also saw marathon legend and former world record holder Eliud Kipchoge, 40, finish 17th with a time of 2:14:36 in his New York debut. His participation completed his goal of running all six World Marathon Majors.

The total prize purse for the marathon was approximately $900,000. The second-place finishers, Mutiso and Lokedi, each received $60,000, while third-place finishers Korir and Chepkirui earned $40,000 each.