Obiri sets new course record as she leads Kenyan sweep in New York Marathon

Kenya’s Hellen Obiri was in fantastic form as she set a new course record when winning the 2025 New York City Marathon for the second time in her career.

The men’s race was also historic in its own way, as another Kenyan, Benson Kipruto, outkicked his compatriot Alexander Mutiso to win by a single second. Former champion Albert Korir finished third in a time of 2:08:57.

Obiri, a three-time Olympic medalist, who won the race in 2023, broke the 22-year course record, setting a new time of 2:19:51. Past winners – Sharon Lokedi (2022) and Sheila Chepkirui (2024) finished second and third, respectively.

“I feel so great…[I] actually didn’t know it was a course record until the finish line and they [said] that,” said Obiri.

“I am so happy to break the course record…My mind was there … for [a] win or to be on the podium.”

In completing the Kenyan podium sweep, Obiri, Lokedi (2:20:07), and Chepkirui (2:20:24) all ran under the old course record time of 2:22:31, which had stood since 2003.

New York City Marathon debutant – Kipruto, the bronze medalist at the 2024 Paris Olympic Marathon, edged compatriot Mutiso, right at the finish line to win with a time of 2:08:09. Mutiso stopped the clock at 2:08:09.03, marking the smallest margin of victory in race history with the athletes being separated by three tenths of a second.

“I am so happy to have my fourth win of a Major Marathon,” said Kipruto.

“I think there’s no secret in winning and finishing on the podium. Just believe in yourself and have patience, and believe in training.”

Eliud Kipchoge, considered the greatest marathoner of all time, earned the coveted Abbott World Marathon Majors Six Star medal as he made his long-awaited debut in New York, finishing 17th in 2:14:36. This was Kipchoge’s last competitive race as he hung his boots after an illustrious running career spanning more than two decades.