Kenya’s Kipruto, Obiri Win New York City Marathon
Kenya’s duo of Benson Kipruto, and Hellen Obiri dominated the New York City Marathon by winning the men’s and women’s categories on Sunday.
Kipruto survived a thrilling sprint finish in two hours eight minutes and nine seconds and Hellen Obiri won the women’s race in a course-record 2:19:51.
He ran flat out through the final 50 metres to hold off a late fight from Alexander Mutiso, breaking the tape by less than two tenths of a second in a photo finish, with 2021 winner Albert Korir finishing third (2:08:57).
Kipruto described the race as amazing.
He said: “It was amazing. The last part was so hard. I was pushing so hard to make sure I win.”
It was the fourth major title for Kipruto, who was in a two-man race with Mutiso at the 25-mile mark and appeared to be completely in control with 200 metres left.
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He was forced to accelerate through the final straight, however, as Mutiso launched a gutsy late attack to wild cheers in Central Park.
Kenyan Eliud Kipchoge, the only man to break the two-hour barrier in the marathon, finished 17th in 2:14:36, in what many have speculated could be the twice Olympic champion’s final competitive marathon.
Paris bronze medallist Obiri, who won in 2023, was running shoulder-to-shoulder with runner-up Sharon Lokedi (2:20:07) and enjoyed a comfortable finish after pulling away ahead of the final turn to claim her fourth major title.
Last year’s winner Sheila Chepkirui (2:20:24) was third.
Obiri said: “We had a very strong field. “I told myself let me try to do my best, let me push.”
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She pocketed an extra $50,000 for breaking Margaret Okayo’s 22-year-old course record of 2:22:31.
In the wheelchair division, Switzerland’s Marcel Hug won a record-extending seventh title in the men’s race in 1:30:16, while American Susannah Scaroni won the women’s race in 1:42:10.
The five-borough classic capped the World Marathon Majors calendar for the year, after a doping suspension for the women’s world-record holder rocked competitive distance-running.
Kenyan Ruth Chepngetich was banned for three years late last month after admitting to anti-doping rule violations.
