Kenya once again dominated the world’s most iconic road race on Sunday, as Hellen Obiri shattered a decades-old record in the women’s division, and Benson Kipruto edged out a razor-thin victory in the men’s race — marking one of the most dramatic finishes in New York City Marathon history.

Kipruto Wins Closest Men’s Finish Ever

The men’s elite race came down to a photo finish between two Kenyans, with Kipruto, 34, narrowly defeating Alexander Mutiso Munyao by just .16 seconds, with both clocking identical times of 2:08:09 — the closest finish ever recorded in the event’s history. The men’s result marked the first time in race history that either the men’s or women’s elite division was decided by less than a second.  Albert Korir, also from Kenya, took third in 2:08:57, completing a clean sweep of the men’s podium.

The competition remained tight for much of the 26.2-mile course. At the halfway point, several runners were still within striking distance, but in the final miles, Kipruto and Mutiso surged ahead, pulling clear of the pack. With just 800 meters to go, it was still anyone’s race. Mutiso made a powerful late push, but Kipruto managed to cross the line first by the narrowest of margins.

Kipruto now adds another prestigious title to his growing list of victories, having previously won the 2021 Boston Marathon, 2022 Chicago Marathon, and 2024 Tokyo Marathon, as well as earning a bronze medal at the Paris Olympics. Mutiso, 29, entered as a top contender after winning the 2024 London Marathon.

Obiri Smashes Course Record, Leading Women’s Kenyan Sweep

In the women’s race, Hellen Obiri delivered a masterclass performance to claim her second New York City Marathon title while obliterating the 22-year-old course record. Obiri crossed the finish line in 2:19:51, breaking Margaret Okayo’s 2003 record of 2:22:31 by nearly two and a half minutes.

As the race entered its final stretch, Obiri, 34, found herself in a tight battle with fellow former champions Sharon Lokedi (2022 winner) and Sheila Chepkirui (2024 winner). With three miles remaining, the trio were stride for stride. Chepkirui eventually fell behind, leaving Obiri and Lokedi to duel for the title. In the final mile, Obiri surged ahead decisively to secure the win and make history. Lokedi finished second in 2:20:07, followed by Chepkirui in 2:20:24—both finishing under the previous course record and completing a Kenyan sweep of the women’s podium.

It’s the first time since 1975 that a single nation has claimed all six podium spots across both men’s and women’s divisions. Back then, American runners dominated when the marathon was still confined to Central Park.

The win for Obiri further cements her legacy as one of the greatest distance runners of her generation. A two-time Boston Marathon champion, she is also a three-time Olympic medalist, earning silver in the 5000m in 2016 and 2020 and bronze in the marathon at the 2024 Games.

American Standouts and Wheelchair Victories

American runner Fiona O’Keeffe, the 2024 U.S. Olympic Trials champion, placed fourth in 2:22:49, the fastest ever marathon time by an American woman in New York City. She was followed by Annie Frisbie (2:24:12) and Olympic gold medalist Sifan Hassan of the Netherlands (2:24:43), who impressively returned to competition just weeks after winning the Sydney Marathon.

In the wheelchair division, Susannah Scaroni claimed her third New York City Marathon title, leading a one-two American finish alongside Tatyana McFadden for the second consecutive year. Marcel Hug of Switzerland won the men’s wheelchair race, extending his record with a seventh career victory in New York.

Editorial credit: lev radin / Shutterstock.com