New York Marathon: Obiri meets Chepkirui again as Kipruto defends title
On 1 November, Hellen Obiri will go for a third New York win against Sheila Chepkirui. In the men's race, Benson Kipruto will meet several former winners.
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Can Hellen Obiri win in New York for a third time? The Kenyan will line up on Sunday 1 November against Sheila Chepkirui, the woman who beat her on this course in 2024. Four days before the race, both former champions are confirmed, while Benson Kipruto will defend his title in the men's race.
Obiri and Chepkirui, one win each since 2024
Obiri holds the course record, set in 2:19:51 when she won in 2025. She had already won the race in 2023. Another victory would therefore give her three titles in four editions.
Chepkirui, however, remains the last woman to have beaten Obiri in New York, in 2024. She will try to win back a title that Obiri holds after her 2025 success.
On personal bests, Obiri (2:15:53) is ahead of Chepkirui (2:17:29). These are their best times over the distance, not their times on the New York course.
Kipruto up against several former winners
In the men's race, Kipruto, the 2025 winner, will face Geoffrey Kamworor, champion in 2017 and 2019, and the Dutchman Abdi Nageeye, who won in 2024.
The field also includes Ethiopia's Deresa Geleta (2:02:38) and Kenya's CyBrian Kotut (2:03:22). With a personal best of 2:02:16, Kipruto has the fastest declared time on the men's list.
The course will run through the five boroughs of New York and finish in Central Park. Both races will bring together several specialists who have already won on this course: experience that should be weighed alongside personal bests.
Read also: Sisay Lemma and Hellen Obiri's African double at the Boston Marathon in 2024.