Kenya’s Hellen Obiri Sets Record to Win 2025 NYC Marathon
Kenyan athlete Hellen Obiri made history by setting a new course record at the 2025 New York City Marathon. She completed the race in an impressive time of 2 hours, 19 minutes, and 51 seconds.
Obiri’s Remarkable Victory
Obiri, who previously won the marathon in 2023, demonstrated her strength by breaking the former course record, which was 2:22:31, set by Margaret Okayo in 2003. This year’s marathon saw Obiri strategically break away from fellow Kenyan and 2022 champion Sharon Lokedi in the final mile.
Top Finishers
- 1st Place: Hellen Obiri, Kenya – 2:19:51
- 2nd Place: Sharon Lokedi, Kenya
- 3rd Place: Sheila Chepkirui, Kenya
- 4th Place: Fiona O’Keeffe, USA
- 5th Place: Sifan Hassan, Netherlands
Obiri’s victory marked the second consecutive year in which Kenyan runners occupied the top three positions. Notably, the top three women shared a singular competition for the first time since 2018.
Key Race Highlights
The marathon unfolded with exciting competition. Obiri, Lokedi, and Chepkirui separated themselves from the pack around Mile 20 as they entered the Bronx. The earlier part of the race had seen a group of five competitors, including American runner O’Keeffe and Dutch athlete Hassan, but they were unable to maintain their pace in the closing miles.
This year’s event was a testament to the prowess of Kenyan women in long-distance running. The race attracted significant attention, both for its competitive nature and the outstanding individual performances.
