Andreas Almgren won the men’s division of the TCS New York City Marathon in his debut on Sunday, while Sheila Chepkirui secured her second women’s title after pulling away in the final stretch.
The 50th anniversary of the five-borough course brought a massive international field of approximately 60,000 runners to the starting line, featuring competitors from more than 140 countries. While elite runners battled for podium positions, the day delivered historic performances across both open and wheelchair divisions, highlighted by debut magic and fierce tactical racing on a crisp autumn morning.
Andreas Almgren Claims Historic Debut Victory in Central Park
Andreas Almgren made running history by becoming the first Swedish runner to win the New York City Marathon, crossing the finish line in 2:06:01 to take the men’s open division. Transitioning from a successful career in the 800m, 10,000m, and half marathons, the 31-year-old Swede entered unfamiliar territory over the 26.2-mile distance. He pulled away from Italy’s Yeman Crippa in the final mile, ultimately winning by 13 seconds.
🥦 Andreas Almgren makes his marathon debut in New York on Sunday. He’s also one of the best-known users of Nomio, a broccoli sprout shot. What is it, how is it meant to work, and what does the evidence say? https://t.co/PNC7KuGJmM
— https://x.com/AthleticsWeekly/status/2115455917399658997
This is my first marathon. I didn’t know how I was supposed to feel.
Andreas Almgren, race winner
Almgren’s time stands as the third-fastest in the course’s 50-year history. He also earned a $100,000 prize for the victory. Behind him, Lesotho’s Kamohelo Mofolo secured third place with a personal best of 2:06:26, narrowly pipping defending champion Benson Kipruto at the line. Italy’s Crippa settled for second in 2:06:14.
The elite men’s race began under clear November skies as runners traversed the 26.2-mile course across Staten Island, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and Manhattan. Almgren competed alongside a deep international field that included top runners from around the globe. His support team features Nike’s Jordan Donnelly and his old high school coach, Urban Aruhn, while he handles his own daily training schedules. Before stepping onto the starting line, he had built an impressive resume, including winning bronze in the 800m at the 2014 world junior championships in Eugene, Oregon, running his personal best of 1:45.59 in the 800m in 2015, finishing fourth in the 5,000m at the European Championships in Munich in 2022, and setting a Swedish record of 26:52.87 for the 10,000m in 2024. He also secured the European 10,000m title in Birmingham by breaking the championship record with a time of 27:23.44, followed by a European record of 58:06 en route to the half marathon title at the World Road Running Championships in Copenhagen in September.
Sheila Chepkirui Outspints Hellen Obiri to Reclaim Women’s Crown
In the women’s elite race, Sheila Chepkirui won for the second time, repeating her 2024 success by defeating compatriot Hellen Obiri in a brilliant closing sprint. Chepkirui surged away in the final 150 meters, stopping the clock at 2:24:36.
The last mile was really tricky, I knew I had to be patient because Hellen was really strong so I had to really push up to the finish line.
Sheila Chepkirui, women’s race champion
Obiri, who set the course record in 2025, crossed third in 2:24:43 after being overtaken in the final strides by American runner Jessica McClain. McClain clocked 2:24:42 to take second place, marking the highest finish for a U.S. woman in New York since Shalane Flanagan took third in 2018.
The professional women left Staten Island at 8:35 a.m. for their journey through the five boroughs. Early in the race, Viola Cheptoo led the field at the 10-kilometer mark in 35:45, closely tracked by Obiri, Sheila Chepkirui, Weini Kelati, Edna Kiplagat, and Mercy Chelangat within half a second. Later, coming off the Queensboro Bridge, the women dropped a 5:24 mile and hit First Avenue’s wall of sound with McClain, Weini Kelati, Carrie Elwood, and Paige Wood running shoulder to shoulder with the Kenyan competitors. Chepkirui maintained her poise through the shifting surges before securing her historic triumph.
Jessica McClain Leads Historic American Performances
McClain’s podium finish anchored a banner day for American distance running. The 34-year-old from Scottsdale, Arizona, combined overall and top-American prize money to take home $85,000. Her top-five overall finish also secured her qualification window for the 2028 Olympic marathon, though she will still need a top-three finish at the U.S. Olympic Trials to make the Los Angeles team.
On the men’s side, Zouhair Talbi led the U.S. contingent by finishing sixth overall in 2:06:43, recording the fastest time ever by an American runner in the event. Four American men placed in the top 11, setting a new benchmark for depth in the race.
Marcel Hug and Catherine Debrunner Dominate Wheelchair Divisions
Switzerland’s Marcel Hug captured his record-extending eighth New York City title in the men’s wheelchair race. Hug edged out Daniel Romanchuk in a thrilling sprint into Central Park, winning in 1:28:14 after Romanchuk made a determined lead bid in the final mile.
In the women’s wheelchair division, Catherine Debrunner pulled away early from the field to win in 1:40:02, recording the second-fastest time in race history behind her own 2023 benchmark. Two-time defending champion Susannah Scaroni finished third, crossing the line just three months after giving birth to her first child.