Kenya's Sheila Chepkirui and Sweden's Andreas Almgren win the New York City Marathon

Kenya's Sheila Chepkirui won the women's race at the New York City Marathon on Sunday, November 1, while Sweden's Andreas Almgren won the men's title in his first marathon.

The race marked the event's 50th anniversary as a five-borough course, with about 60,000 runners from more than 140 countries taking part.

Chepkirui holds off McClain

Chepkirui won in 2 hours 24 minutes 36 seconds, just six seconds ahead of American Jess McClain, who surged late in the race. It is Chepkirui's second New York title, after her win in 2024. Kenya's Hellen Obiri, the defending champion, finished third.

McClain's second place was the first podium finish by an American, man or woman, in New York since Shalane Flanagan finished third in 2018.

Kenyan women have dominated marathon running in recent years, and Chepkirui's win adds to a long list of Kenyan victories in New York.

Almgren's stunning debut

In the men's race, Almgren won in 2:06:01. Italy's Yemaneberhan Crippa was second in 2:06:14 and Kamohelo Mofolo of Lesotho third in 2:06:26.

Almgren became the first Swedish runner to win any of the World Marathon Majors, the series of the world's most prestigious marathons. He arrived in form, having won the World Half Marathon Championships in Copenhagen in September.

Winning on a marathon debut is rare, especially on New York's hilly course, which is known for its bridges and testing final miles through Central Park.

A global race

The New York City Marathon is the world's largest marathon by number of finishers. Its elite races, dominated for decades by East African runners, have become more open in recent years, with winners from Europe and strong showings by American athletes.

For Kenya, Chepkirui's victory is a reminder of the country's enduring strength in distance running. For Sweden and Lesotho, the podium finishes are historic.