Hellen Obiri Smashes NYC Marathon Record as Kipruto Wins Epic Photo Finish

Hellen Obiri Smashes NYC Marathon Record as Kipruto Wins Epic Photo Finish

Hellen Obiri Smashes NYC Marathon Record as Kipruto Wins Epic Photo Finish

What an incredible day it was at the New York City Marathon! The streets of the Big Apple were alive with energy as runners from all around the world took on the famous 26.2-mile course that winds through all five boroughs. And once again, it was Kenya that completely dominated the race. Hellen Obiri made headlines by setting a new women’s course record, while Benson Kipruto claimed victory in a thrilling men’s photo finish that had everyone holding their breath until the very end.

Hellen Obiri, who had already won this marathon back in 2023, returned stronger than ever. She crossed the finish line in an astonishing time of 2 hours, 19 minutes, and 51 seconds , smashing the previous record of 2:22:31 set way back in 2003 by fellow Kenyan Margaret Okayo. Obiri ran shoulder to shoulder with Sharon Lokedi, the 2022 champion, for most of the race. But in the final mile, Obiri’s endurance and patience paid off — she surged ahead with ease, leaving the rest of the field behind. It was pure brilliance and control on display.

Even more remarkable, the top three women — Obiri, Lokedi, and Sheila Chepkirui — all finished under the old course record, marking a clean sweep for Kenya. This race wasn’t just a victory for Obiri; it was a showcase of Kenyan dominance and consistency in long-distance running.

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On the men’s side, things were much tighter. Benson Kipruto and Alexander Mutiso, both from Kenya, battled fiercely over the final few miles. They had broken away from the pack by Mile 24, and as they sprinted toward the finish line, it truly came down to inches. Kipruto managed to cross first in 2:08:09 , just a heartbeat ahead of Mutiso, who finished with the exact same time. It was one of those rare moments that reminded everyone why marathon racing can be so unpredictable and dramatic.

To make it even better for Kenya, Albert Korir — the 2021 winner — finished third, giving the nation a complete podium sweep in both the men’s and women’s divisions. Meanwhile, American runner Joel Reichow impressed the home crowd by finishing sixth, the top American in the men’s race.

The weather couldn’t have been better for running, with cool temperatures in the 50s Fahrenheit. This year marked the 49th time the marathon stretched through all five boroughs, starting from Staten Island and ending triumphantly in Central Park. From its humble beginnings in 1970 with just 55 finishers, the New York City Marathon has grown into one of the greatest spectacles in world sports — and this year’s record-breaking races only added to its legacy.

What a day for running, for Kenya, and for the city that never sleeps.

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