Kenyan athletes Hellen Obiri and Benson Kipruto are set to defend their New York City Marathon titles on Sunday, November 1. Obiri, a two-time winner, is targeting a third victory that would place her among an elite group of three-time winners. She posted a course record of 2:19:51 in 2025, surpassing Margaret Okayo's 2003 mark. Obiri has shown strong recent form, including a win at the New York City Half Marathon.
Obiri will be joined by fellow Kenyan athletes Sheila Chepkirui, 2024 champion Viola Cheptoo, and veteran Edna Kiplagat. Notably, Olympic champion Sifan Hassan has withdrawn from the competition, leaving Obiri with the fastest personal best among the women entered. Obiri's personal best of 2:15:53 was recorded at the London Marathon in April, where she finished runner-up.
Benson Kipruto, the 2025 men's champion, is also looking to defend his title. He posted a winning time of 2:08:09, edging compatriot Alexander Mutiso by three hundredths of a second. Kipruto hopes to become the first man in 28 years to repeat the feat. His recent performance at the Boston Marathon, where he finished third in 2:02:50, underlines his readiness for the New York challenge.
Kipruto will face strong competition from Kenyan athlete CyBrian Kotut, who has a personal best of 2:03:22. Other key rivals include Ethiopia's Deresa Geleta, who has a personal best of 2:02:38, two-time New York champion Geoffrey Kamworor, and 2024 winner Abdi Nageeye of the Netherlands.
The New York City Marathon marks the 50th anniversary of the race's iconic route through New York's five boroughs. This adds historic significance to the athletes' title bids. The marathon is one of the most prestigious events in the athletics calendar, and the athletes are expected to put up a strong performance.
Hellen Obiri's recent form has been impressive, with a win at the New York City Half Marathon and a runner-up finish at the London Marathon in April. Her personal best of 2:15:53 is a testament to her hard work and dedication. Obiri will be looking to draw on her experience and speed to defend her title.
The New York City Marathon is set to take place on Sunday, November 1, with thousands of athletes and spectators expected to participate. The event will be a major test of endurance for the athletes, who will have to navigate the challenging course through New York's five boroughs.
Key points
- Obiri and Kipruto are looking to defend their New York City Marathon titles on November 1.
- Obiri is targeting a third victory that would place her among an elite group of three-time winners.
- The marathon marks the 50th anniversary of the race's iconic route through New York's five boroughs.
