Kenyan star Hellen Obiri etched her name into marathon history on Sunday after shattering the women’s course record at the 54th edition of the TCS New York City Marathon with a stunning time of 2:19:51.
The two-time world champion claimed her second New York title, following her 2023 triumph, and became the first woman to run a sub-2:20 marathon in New York.
Her performance erased Margaret Okayo’s long-standing record of 2:22:31, set in 2003, by nearly three minutes.
The victory reinforced Obiri’s standing among the greatest distance runners of her generation.
A double world 5,000m champion (2017, 2019) and 2024 Paris Olympic bronze medalist, Obiri added another jewel to her crown after winning the 2024 Boston Marathon earlier this year.
She is now the first woman in more than three decades to capture both the Boston and New York titles in consecutive years — a rare feat in elite marathon history.
Obiri’s triumph capped a Kenyan podium sweep, with Sharon Lokedi finishing second and Sheila Chepkirui taking third.
The 2025 TCS New York City Marathon, covering 42.195 kilometers across all five boroughs, drew a world-class field and record crowds.
With one of the richest prize purses in the sport, the race once again solidified its status as one of the premier events in world athletics.
Obiri’s record-breaking run not only thrilled spectators lining the streets of New York but also underscored her growing legacy as one of the defining figures in modern marathon running.
