Kenya’s Sheila Chepkirui reclaimed the New York City Marathon women’s title on Sunday after delivering a strong performance to beat American Jessica McClain and compatriot Hellen Obiri in a closely contested race.
Chepkirui crossed the finish line in 2:24:36 to secure her second New York Marathon crown, following her maiden victory in 2024.
McClain finished second in 2:24:42, just 6.19 seconds behind the Kenyan, while defending champion Obiri settled for third in 2:24:43.
The women’s race produced an exciting contest, with the leading athletes exchanging positions as they navigated the five boroughs of New York.
Chepkirui led at the 20km, 25km and 30km checkpoints before Obiri surged ahead at the 35km mark. However, the Kenyan responded strongly, reclaiming the lead at the 40km checkpoint, with Obiri trailing by just 0.04 seconds and McClain remaining in contention.
Chepkirui then produced a strong finishing kick over the final 2.2 kilometres to pull away from her challengers and claim victory.Obiri, who won the 2025 edition in a course-record time of 2:19:51, missed the opportunity to secure a third New York title.
Kenya also recorded an impressive overall performance, with 46-year-old Edna Kiplagat finishing fourth in 2:25:42, followed by Mercy Chelangat in fifth place in 2:25:46.
Interior and National Administration Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen congratulated Chepkirui, Obiri and Kiplagat for their performances, also celebrating Philemon Kipchumba’s Istanbul Marathon victory and course record, alongside Vincent Ronoh’s third-place finish.
“Well done to Sheila Chepkirui for winning the women’s New York Marathon, and to Hellen Obiri for an impressive second-place finish ” said Murkomen he added “We take immense pride in your performances. Keep going”.
