NYC Marathon Sets Records

The New York City Marathon made history on Sunday with a new women’s course record and the closest men’s finish ever, decided by a fraction of a second. Kenya’s Hellen Obiri broke the women’s record, crossing the line in 2 hours 19 minutes 51 seconds. She pulled away from 2022 winner Sharon Lokedi in the final mile, winning easily by 16 seconds and eclipsing Margaret Okayo’s 2003 record of 2:22:31. Defending champion Sheila Chepkirui finished third, and all three women beat the previous best on a cool day with temperatures in the 50s °F at the start.

In the men’s race, compatriot Benson Kipruto edged Alexander Mutiso by three‑hundredths of a second, the narrowest margin in the event’s history. The two separated from the pack at mile 24, and Kipruto appeared to have the race secured until Mutiso surged in the final 50 metres, falling just short. Running the New York course for the first time, Kipruto finished in 2:08:40, the fastest time since the 2005 race was decided by a full second. Albert Korir, the 2021 champion, took third, giving Kenya a sweep of the top three spots in both the men’s and women’s divisions. Eliud Kipchoge, one of the sport’s most accomplished marathoners, completed his inaugural NYC Marathon in 17th place.

The women’s field saw a trio of former champions break away as they entered the Bronx at mile 20. American Fiona O’Keeffe and Dutch runner Sifan Hassan were initially part of a five‑woman pack before falling back. O’Keeffe finished fourth, setting a new American course record of 2:22:49. The top nine included four Americans, with Annie Frisbie fifth and Hassan sixth. Chelsea Clinton, daughter of former President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, completed the race in just under 3:45 and was greeted by her parents at the finish line.

The 26.2‑mile course took runners through all five boroughs, starting in Staten Island and ending in Manhattan’s Central Park. This year marked the 49th edition run through all five boroughs, and the race featured a record 55,642 finishers last year—the largest in marathon history until the London Marathon surpassed it earlier this year. The New York City Marathon remains a premier event on the athletic calendar, attracting top talent and thousands of participants from around the world.