Chepkirui reclaims NYC Marathon crown as Almgren makes history in debut

Sheila Chepkirui of Kenya won the New York City Marathon on Sunday, finishing in two hours, 24 minutes and 36 seconds. Her victory marked her second title in the event, reclaiming the lead she held in 2024.

Chepkirui crossed the finish line alone after breaking away from the lead pack with roughly four miles remaining. She ran ahead of Hellen Obiri, the 2024 champion, who finished third. Obiri had been positioned for second place until the final moments of the race.

American Jess McClain surged past Obiri in the closing stretch to take the silver medal, finishing in two hours, 24 minutes and 43 seconds. McClain beat Obiri by a single second. Chepkirui noted that the final mile required patience because she knew Obiri was a strong competitor.

Andreas Almgren of Sweden claimed the men's title in his marathon debut with a time of two hours, 6 minutes and 1 second. He beat Italian Yemaneberhan Crippa by 13 seconds. Kamohelo Mofolo of Lesotho finished third in two hours, 6 minutes and 26 seconds.

Almgren separated from defending champion Benson Kipruto with one mile left on the course. He became the first European man to win the race in three decades. Almgren said he felt strong with five kilometers remaining and planned to run the distance again in the future.

In the wheelchair categories, Swiss runner Marcel Hug won his eighth New York title. He defeated Daniel Romanchuk of the United States by one second in a time of one hour, 28 minutes and 14 seconds. Catherine Debrunner of Switzerland won the women's wheelchair race in one hour, 40 minutes and 2 seconds.

Tatyana McFadden finished second in the women's wheelchair event with a time of one hour, 48 minutes and 28 seconds. She narrowly beat Susannah Scaroni, who crossed the line four seconds later. Scaroni competed shortly after giving birth in August and was joined by her son Jonah for a photo at the finish line.