Chepkirui Claims Second NYC Marathon Title; Almgren Wins in Debut

Sheila Chepkirui won the women's New York City Marathon on Sunday with a time of 2:24:36.

The 2024 champion ran the final stretch alone after breaking away from the lead pack with four miles remaining. She finished two years after her first title, securing her second win on the course.

In the men's race, Andreas Almgren of Sweden took the victory in his first marathon. He clocked a time of 2:06:01. Almgren became the first European man to win the event in three decades.

Yemaneberhan Crippa of Italy finished second, 13 seconds behind Almgren. Kamohelo Mofolo of Lesotho placed third with a time of 2:06:26.

The podium order in the women's race shifted in the final moments. Hellen Obiri of Kenya appeared to be finishing second until American Jess McClain sprinted past her in the last mile. McClain crossed the line 2:24:42, one second faster than Obiri.

Chepkirui described the final mile as tricky due to Obiri's pace. "I had to be patient because I knew Hellen was really strong," Chepkirui said. "I had to really push up to the finish line."

Almgren maintained a steady pace through the hilly course before pulling away from Benson Kipruto with one mile left. He said he felt confident when Kipruto increased his speed with five kilometers remaining. "I've got the legs today," Almgren said. "You can't ask for a better debut.. I'm about to start crying."

The race started the morning after Halloween under clear conditions. In the men's wheelchair category, Marcel Hug of Switzerland won his eighth New York title. He beat Daniel Romanchuk of the United States by one second with a time of 1:28:14.

Catherine Debrunner of Switzerland won the women's wheelchair race in 1:40:02. Tatyana McFadden finished second in 1:48:28, edging out Susannah Scaroni by four seconds. Scaroni ran the race shortly after giving birth in August and posed for a photo with her son Jonah after finishing.