Obiri Breaks Course Record; Kipruto Wins in Photo Finish
It was a day of dominance and drama for Kenya at the 2025 TCS New York City Marathon, as Hellen Obiri shattered the women’s course record and Benson Kipruto claimed victory in a thrilling photo finish, marking a clean sweep for Kenya in both elite divisions.
Obiri, 35, defended her 2023 title with a commanding performance, finishing in 2 hours, 19 minutes, and 51 seconds, breaking a record that had stood since 2003. Kipruto, 34, delivered one of the most dramatic finishes in marathon history, edging compatriot Alexander Mutiso by just 0.03 seconds, with both clocking 2:08:09.
Obiri’s Brilliant Repeat and Record-Breaking Run
Running shoulder to shoulder with 2022 champion Sharon Lokedi for most of the race, Obiri broke away in the final mile through Central Park. Her finishing time smashed Margaret Okayo’s 2003 course record (2:22:31) by nearly three minutes.
“The marathon is about patience,” Obiri said afterward. “You have to trust your body and make your move at the right time.”
Lokedi and Sheila Chepkirui, the 2022 and 2024 champions, finished second and third, giving Kenya its second consecutive women’s podium sweep. All three women surpassed the previous course record, making this one of the fastest women’s fields in New York Marathon history.
Obiri, a three-time Olympic medalist, has now won back-to-back NYC Marathon titles and continues to solidify her status as one of the greatest distance runners in the world.
Kipruto’s Photo-Finish Triumph
On the men’s side, Kipruto, an Olympic bronze medalist and one of the sport’s most consistent performers, added another chapter to his storied career. After breaking away from the chase pack with Mutiso at Mile 24, Kipruto appeared to have sealed the win until Mutiso launched a furious sprint in the final 50 meters.
Both men crossed the finish line in 2:08:09, but the photo finish confirmed Kipruto’s narrow victory. Albert Korir, the 2021 champion, took third with 2:08:57, completing Kenya’s podium sweep. “I knew it was going to be a tight race,” Kipruto said. “I’m so happy to have my fourth win at a major marathon.”
Kipruto’s résumé continues to impress: in addition to his New York triumph, he’s won in Boston (2021), Chicago (2022), and Tokyo (2024).
American Runners and Global Field Shine
American Joel Reichow placed sixth in the men’s race, while Fiona O’Keeffe and Annie Frisbie finished fourth and fifth in the women’s field. Dutch star Sifan Hassan, fresh off her Sydney Marathon victory, placed sixth.
More than 55,000 runners from over 150 countries took part in this year’s race, which spans all five boroughs and crosses five bridges, starting in Staten Island and ending in Central Park. Produced by New York Road Runners, the marathon also serves as one of the world’s most significant charity events, with over 600 organizations represented and millions of dollars raised.
Legends, Celebrities, and Wheelchair Champions
Adding to the day’s significance was the participation of marathon legend Eliud Kipchoge, making his New York debut just days before his 41st birthday. The two-time Olympic gold medalist and former world record holder finished 17th (2:14:36), closing what many consider one of the most remarkable careers in marathon history.
The race also saw celebrities, including hip-hop artist N.O.R.E. and MTV’s Nev Schulman, among the finishers, continuing the NYC Marathon’s reputation as both an elite competition and a celebration of human endurance.
In the wheelchair division, Swiss star Marcel Hug, 39, a seven-time Paralympic champion, captured the men’s title in 1:30:16. American Susannah Scaroni, 34, defended her women’s crown with a time of 1:42:10. Each took home $50,000, the largest wheelchair prize in marathon history.
A Perfect Day for Running
Under crisp blue skies and temperatures in the low 50s Fahrenheit, conditions were near perfect. The 26.2-mile race once again showcased New York’s energy and global spirit, uniting tens of thousands of runners and millions of spectators.
Now in its 49th year, traversing all five boroughs, the NYC Marathon has grown from just 55 finishers in 1970 to a worldwide spectacle, and this year’s edition delivered one of the most memorable finishes in its storied history.
As Obiri raised her arms in triumph and Kipruto leaned across the finish line by the slimmest of margins, New York once again bore witness to the spirit of endurance, excellence, and the unyielding will of champions.
By the Midtown Times. Sources: from reporting by the Associated Press and Chandelis Duster, NPR (November 2, 2025).
