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Hellen Obiri sets course record, Benson Kipruto wins men’s title at NYC Marathon
In what turned out to be a dramatic and historic day at the New York City Marathon, Kenyan racers showed why the country is such a running powerhouse. Kenya’s Hellen Obiri shattered the women’s course record while compatriot Benson Kipruto edged his rival by just seconds to win the men’s race. FOX 5 NY's Meredith Gorman has the story.
NEW YORK - In what turned out to be a dramatic and historic day at the New York City Marathon, Kenyan racers showed why the country is such a running powerhouse. Kenya’s Hellen Obiri shattered the women’s course record while compatriot Benson Kipruto edged his rival by just seconds to win the men’s race.
The 2025 NYC Marathon Winners:
Hellen Obiri crossed the line at 2:19:51, besting the previous women’s course record of 2:22:31, which had stood since 2003. She held off fellow Kenyan runners and pulled away in the final mile.
This is Obiri's second women's open division title. A three-time Olympic medalist and the 2023 TCS New York City Marathon champion, she soared past 2022 champion Sharon Lokedi in the last mile of the race.
"I feel so great…[I] actually didn't know it was a course record until the finish line and they [said] that," Obiri said after the race. "I'm so happy to break the course record...My mind was there…for [a] win or to be on a podium."
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - NOVEMBER 02: Hellen Obiri, 1st place winner of the women's professional race, reacts at the finish line during the 2025 New York City Marathon on November 02, 2025 in New York City. (Photo by Bryan Bedder/New York Road Runners vi …
On the men’s side, Benson Kipruto and fellow Kenyan Alexander Mutiso battled down the final straight, with Kipruto finishing in 2:08:09 to Mutiso’s slightly slower time. The margin between them came down to mere fractions of a second.
"I'm so happy to have my fourth win of a major marathon," Kipruto said. "I think there's no secret in winning and finishing on the podium. Just believe in yourself and have patience and believe in training."
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - NOVEMBER 02: Benson Kipruto, 1st place winner of the men's professional race, poses at the finish line during the 2025 New York City Marathon on November 02, 2025 in New York City. (Photo by Bryan Bedder/New York Road Runners via …
Big picture view:
The performances underline how competitive and fast the NYC Marathon has become, particularly for Kenyan runners. Obiri’s record not only raises the bar for women’s marathon performance in New York, but it also highlights the increasing depth in the elite field. Meanwhile, the thrilling men’s finish adds another layer of excitement to one of the world’s most prestigious endurance events.
NYC Marathon's top finishers
Men’s Elite Race
- Benson Kipruto (KEN) -- 2:08:09
- Alexander Mutiso (KEN) -- 2:08:09 (+00.03)
- Albert Korir (KEN) -- 2:08:57
- Patrick Dever (GBR) -- 2:08:58
- Matthias Kyburz (SUI) -- 2:09:55
- Joel Reichow (USA) -- 2:09:56
- Charles Hicks (USA) -- 2:09:59
- Sondre Moen (NOR) -- 2:10:15
- Tsegay Weldlibanos (ERI) -- 2:10:36
- Joe Klecker (USA) -- 2:10:37
Women’s Elite Race
- Hellen Obiri (KEN) -- 2:19:51 CR
- Sharon Lokedi (KEN) -- 2:20:07
- Sheila Chepkirui (KEN) -- 2:20:24
- Fiona O’Keeffe (USA) -- 2:22:49
- Annie Frisbie (USA) -- 2:24:12
- Sifan Hassan (NED) -- 2:24:43
- Jessica Warner-Judd (GBR) -- 2:24:45
- Emily Sisson (USA) -- 2:25:05
- Amanda Vestri (USA) -- 2:25:40
- Fionnuala McCormack (IRL) -- 2:27:00
The Source: This report is based on official 2025 TCS New York City Marathon results and statements from race organizers, as well as references to ESPN, NBC Sports and AP News. Statements from the winners came from the nonprofit New York Road Runners.