Sheila Chepkirui is once again queen of New York. The Kenyan pulled away in the closing stretch of the New York City Marathon on Sunday to win in 2:24:36, reclaiming the title she first won in 2024 and denying compatriot Hellen Obiri back-to-back victories.

It was one of the tightest finishes in the race's recent history. American Jessica McClain crossed six seconds behind in 2:24:42, with Obiri, last year's champion and course record holder, a further second back in 2:24:43.

A tactical duel through the boroughs

Unlike last year, when Obiri broke away to set a course record of 2:19:51, the 2026 women's race was a cagey affair. Chepkirui was at the front through 20km, 25km and 30km before Obiri made her move around 35km. The two were virtually level at 40km, but Chepkirui found another gear over the final two kilometres and held off the late charge of McClain.

Kenyan women filled four of the top five places:

  • 1. Sheila Chepkirui (Kenya) 2:24:36
  • 2. Jessica McClain (USA) 2:24:42
  • 3. Hellen Obiri (Kenya) 2:24:43
  • 4. Edna Kiplagat (Kenya) 2:25:42
  • 5. Mercy Chelangat (Kenya) 2:25:46

The result caps a strong season for Chepkirui, who won the Nagoya Women's Marathon in March in 2:21:54 and finished second at the Great North Run in September. Edna Kiplagat, at 46, once again showed remarkable longevity by finishing fourth.

Heartbreak for Kipruto

The men's race went to Sweden's Andreas Almgren, who won on his marathon debut in 2:06:01 ahead of Italy's Yemaneberhan Crippa (2:06:14) and Lesotho's Kamohelo Mofolo (2:06:26).

Defending champion Benson Kipruto was the top Kenyan in fourth place in 2:06:27, just one second off the podium. Former champion Geoffrey Kamworor clocked 2:07:09, while Cybrian Kotut ran 2:07:42, according to published results.

Leaders celebrate

President William Ruto led the congratulations. "We are proud of Sheila Chepkirui for winning the New York City Marathon," he said, also commending Obiri for her podium finish. Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya praised the team for "flying Kenya's flag high and sustaining our proud athletics legacy".

The New York win came on the same day Philimon Kipchumba broke the Istanbul Marathon course record, capping a strong weekend for Kenyan road runners abroad as the autumn marathon season heads towards its close.

Photos: World Athletics via The Eastleigh Voice (Chepkirui celebrates); Handout via The Star / The Eastleigh Voice (Chepkirui and Obiri in New York). Thumbnail design: HAMASTA MEDIA.