In a breathtaking climax to the 2025 edition of the New York City Marathon, Benson Kipruto edged out his countryman in a photo finish to claim the men’s title. The Kenyan’s margin of victory was razor-thin, but his grit and timing under pressure secured the triumph.
His performance underlined his status among the world’s elite marathoners and added yet another major win to his growing list of achievements.
Kipruto crossed the finish line in 2 hours 8 minutes 9 seconds, narrowly ahead of fellow Kenyan Alexander Mutiso, in what proved to be a spectacular conclusion to the five-borough classic.
The contest had looked settled as Kipruto pulled ahead in the final stretch, yet Mutiso launched a fierce late attempt, and the difference amounted to mere tenths of a second. “It was amazing. The last part was so hard,” Kipruto said after the race. “I was pushing so hard to make sure I win.”
This win adds another major marathon title to Kipruto’s impressive résumé. He has previously claimed victory in major international marathons including Boston and Chicago and set a personal best of 2:02:16 in Tokyo in 2024.
The New York race was marked not only by Kipruto’s win but by a clean Kenyan sweep of the podium in the men’s category: Mutiso finished second, and 2021 champion Albert Korir took third in 2:08:57.
Though the early miles of the race featured a modest lead pack, it was in the final 200 meters that the decisive move came. Kipruto looked dominant with 200 meters to go but had to dig deep as Mutiso closed in with incredible determination.
The closing stretch saw Kipruto sprint flat-out until the tape. “I was pushing so hard,” he reflected. His experience, strength, and composure in the final moments made the difference, earning him one of the most dramatic victories of his career.
Despite the fierce competition and the extremely tight finish, the race conditions and Kipruto’s experience played to his advantage. With a legacy of strong finishes in major marathons, he again demonstrated a blend of tactical acumen and raw speed when it mattered most.
The victory further cements his reputation as one of Kenya’s most reliable and consistent marathon performers.
On the women’s side, Hellen Obiri delivered an equally commanding performance to claim the title and rewrite the record books at the same time. The Kenyan crossed the finish line in 2 hours 19 minutes 51 seconds, breaking the long-standing course record of 2:22:31 set in 2003 by Margaret Okayo.
Obiri’s win was both historic and emphatic, highlighting her exceptional form and resilience throughout the race.
She pulled away from close rival Sharon Lokedi, who clocked 2:20:07, in the final mile, while fellow Kenyan Sheila Chepkirui placed third at 2:20:24. So strong was the Kenyan dominance that all three women broke the previous course record. “I told myself: let me try to do my best, let me push,” Obiri said after the race. “We had a very strong field.”
The victory adds to Obiri’s already impressive marathon résumé and reaffirms her elite status in long-distance running. This was her second triumph in New York, having previously won the race in 2023.
Her ability to deliver consistent top-level performances in major marathons has long been evident, and this latest success stands out not only for its prestige but for the course-record achievement.
Her strategy in New York was marked by patience, poise, and power. Obiri remained with the leading pack through the early and middle stages of the race, conserving energy before launching a decisive surge in the latter stages.
Once she took the lead, the focus shifted to maintaining her advantage, which she did with clinical precision. Her finish on the streets of Central Park showcased the hallmark qualities that have defined her career — tactical intelligence, unwavering focus, and finishing strength.