Hellen Obiri and Benson Kipruto lead Kenya to glory at 2025 New York City Marathon

Kenya's Benson Kipruto who narrowly edged out Alexander Mutiso by just 0.16 seconds, with both finishing in 2:08:09. (Photo: Handout)

By Bashir Mbuthia
Sunday, November 2, 2025

Kenya cements its dominance at the 2025 New York City Marathon with Hellen Obiri setting a new course record and both men’s and women’s podiums swept by Kenyan runners.

Kenya delivered a stunning performance at Sunday’s New York City Marathon, sweeping both the men’s and women’s podiums and reaffirming its long-standing dominance in the event.

In the men’s race, Benson Kipruto narrowly edged out Alexander Mutiso by just 0.16 seconds, with both finishing in 2:08:09. Albert Korir claimed third place in 2:08:57, completing a clean sweep for Kenya on the men’s podium.

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Patrick Dever of Great Britain finished fourth in 2:08:58, followed by Matthias Kyburz of Switzerland in fifth with 2:09:55. Joel Reichow of the USA took sixth in 2:09:56, Charles Hicks of the USA was seventh in 2:09:59, and Sondre Moen of Norway placed eighth in 2:10:15.

Tsegay Weldlibanos of Eritrea finished ninth in 2:10:36, while Joe Klecker of the USA rounded out the top ten in 2:10:37. Marathon legend Eliud Kipchoge of Kenya finished 17th in 2:14:36.

In the women’s field, Hellen Obiri led the way, crossing the finish line in 2:19:51 to set a new course record and surpass the 22-year-old mark of 2:22:31 set by Margaret Okayo in 2003.

Kenya's Hellen Obiri celebrates her record-breaking victory at the 2025 New York City Marathon, waving to the cheering crowd after crossing the finish line. (Photo: Handout)

Sharon Lokedi, the 2022 champion, finished closely behind in 2:20:07, while last year’s winner Sheila Chepkirui secured third in 2:20:24. This victory marked the seventh consecutive Kenyan win in the women’s professional race, excluding 2020 when the marathon was cancelled due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Obiri’s record-breaking performance has thrilled fans and further cemented her reputation as one of the world’s top marathoners. She will now take home $100,000 (Sh12.9 million) for winning and an additional $50,000 (Sh6.5 million) bonus for breaking the course record. Lokedi and Chepkirui will receive $60,000 (Sh7.8 million) and $40,000 (Sh5.2 million) respectively, with the men’s podium finishers awarded the same prize amounts for their performances.

The rest of the top ten in the women’s event featured strong international performances. Fiona O’Keeffe of the USA finished fourth in 2:22:49, followed by Annie Frisbie (USA) in fifth at 2:24:12, and Paris 2024 Olympic marathon gold medalist Sifan Hassan of the Netherlands in sixth with 2:24:43.

Jessica Warner-Judd (GBR) placed seventh in 2:24:45, Emily Sisson (USA) was eighth in 2:25:05, Amanda Vestri (USA) finished ninth in 2:25:40, and Fionnuala McCormack (IRL) rounded out the top ten in 2:27:00.