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2025 New York City Marathon – Kenyan Power in Full Display
Sunday’s 54th edition of the 2025 New York City Marathon delivered a showcase of Kenyan dominance and dramatic finishes — as Benson Kipruto edged compatriot Alexander Mutiso in the closest-ever men’s finish, while Hellen Obiri smashed the women’s course record, both heading full Kenyan podiums. (Reuters)
Men’s Race: Photo Finish Thriller
In the men’s elite competition, the finish was nothing short of historic.
Kipruto crossed the line in 2:08:09, narrowly ahead of Alexander Mutiso – the margin reported as just 0.03 seconds in official time, after both were credited with 2:08:09. (AP News)
The race broke from the pack near mile 24 when Kipruto and Mutiso made a decisive move, leaving the rest behind.
At that point Kipruto looked to have a clear lead, but Mutiso launched a fierce late surge through Central Park, forcing Kipruto into a flat-out sprint in the final 50 metres. (The Straits Times)
Third place went to fellow Kenyan Albert Korir (2:08:57), completing a Kenyan sweep of the men’s podium. (The Star)
For Kipruto, this adds to an already impressive résumé — it is his fourth major marathon title, joining wins in Boston, Chicago and Tokyo. (The Straits Times)
Women’s Race: Obiri’s Record-Breaking Run
On the women’s side, Hellen Obiri delivered a commanding performance.
She finished in 2:19:51, breaking the previous course record of 2:22:31 (set by Kenya’s Margaret Okayo in 2003), a record that had stood for 22 years. (ESPN)
Obiri ran shoulder-toshoulder with compatriot Sharon Lokedi (2:20:07) through much of the race, before pulling away decisively in the final turn and straight to claim victory.
Third place was occupied by another Kenyan, Sheila Chepkirui (2:20:24), thus mirroring the men’s race with a Kenyan podium sweep. (SuperSport)
Obiri’s margin of victory — roughly 16 seconds ahead of Lokedi — may look comfortable, but given the calibre of the field and the historic record she smashed, it underscores just how strong her run was. (AP News)
The Broader Sweep: Kenya on Top
One of the most remarkable aspects of the day was just how dominant Kenya was across both men’s and women’s elite races.
For the first time in the history of this edition of the race — which spans all five New York City boroughs — one nation swept the top three places in both categories. (NBC Sports)
In a field of tens of thousands (the race historically draws 50,000+ participants) through Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, Staten Island and finishing in Central Park, the elite competition among Kenyans was decisive. (RUN247)
Notable Side Stories
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The day also marked a likely swansong for Kenyan legend Eliud Kipchoge, who finished 17th in 2:14:36 as he completes the final marathon major on his storied career. (RUN247)
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The wheelchair divisions were won by Switzerland’s Marcel Hug (men) and America’s Susannah Scaroni (women). (mint)
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For the United States and other nations, the challenge remains steep: the top American woman clocked 2:22:49 (the fastest ever American woman in NYC) but still well off Kenyan times. (NBC Sports)
What It Means
The results underline a few key points:
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Depth and dominance of Kenyan long-distance running — the capacity not just to win, but to fill podiums in the world’s major races.
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Tactical excellence — especially evident in the men’s finish, where endurance met sprinting in the final metres.
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Record-level performance in the women’s field — Obiri’s time of 2:19:51 breaks new ground for the NYC course and sets a tough benchmark.
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The significance of big-city major marathons — The NYC Marathon remains among the most prestigious races globally; to win here confirms elite status.
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The evolution of marathon strategy — whereas earlier editions might have involved slower, tactical races, we’re seeing high performance and depth across the board.
Looking Ahead
For Kipruto and Obiri, the wins raise expectations: how many more major titles can they accrue?
For Kenya, it reinforces their position as the global benchmark in marathon running.
For other nations, it poses the challenge: closing the gap.
As for Eliud Kipchoge, if indeed this was his last major road marathon, the baton for marathon greatness moves inevitably towards this next generation — led by the likes of Kipruto, Obiri, Mutiso and others.
The 2025 NYC Marathon will long be remembered — not only for its drama and records — but for the emphatic statement it made: Kenya is still the powerhouse of the world’s roads.
