Obiri Sets NYC Marathon Record with Victory

Hellen Obiri of Kenya made history at the New York City Marathon by setting a new women’s course record. She completed the marathon in a remarkable time of 2 hours, 19 minutes, and 51 seconds. This victory marks her second consecutive win at this prestigious event.

Historic Performance by Hellen Obiri

Obiri surged ahead of her fellow countrywoman, Sharon Lokedi, in the final mile, breaking the previous course record of 2:22:31 set by Margaret Okayo in 2003. Defending champion Sheila Chepkirui finished third, with all three women surpassing the earlier course best.

Women’s Race Highlights

The competitive women’s race featured a strong lineup, including Obiri, Lokedi, and Chepkirui. By Mile 20, the trio distanced themselves from the pack, showcasing their dominance. They were joined initially by American Fiona O’Keeffe and Dutch runner Sifan Hassan but could not maintain the pace as the race progressed. This was the first time since 2018 that the previous three women’s winners competed together.

Kipruto Triumphs in the Men’s Race

In the men’s race, Benson Kipruto also achieved an impressive victory. He finished the marathon in 2:08:09, narrowly beating countryman Alexander Mutiso Munyao. Kipruto and Munyao separated from the pack as they approached Mile 24, with Kipruto pulling ahead in the final 200 meters. Munyao made a strong effort in the last 50 meters but fell short by less than 0.2 seconds.

Men’s Race Overview

• Kipruto’s victory adds to his accolades, having previously won marathons in Tokyo, Chicago, and Boston.
• The men’s race featured intense competition, displaying the strength of Kenyan athletes.

Wheelchair Race Results

In addition to the main races, wheelchair athletes also showed remarkable performances. Marcel Hug from Switzerland won the men’s wheelchair race, marking his seventh victory in this event. Susannah Scaroni of the United States claimed her third title in the women’s wheelchair division.

Concluding Thoughts

This year’s New York City Marathon highlighted the exceptional talents of Kenyan athletes, particularly in the women’s category. With record-breaking performances and thrilling finishes, the event reaffirmed its status as a premier marathon in the world.