Context:

In a remarkable performance at the 2025 TCS New York City Marathon, Hellen Obiri of Kenya shattered a 23-year-old women's record, finishing in 2:19:51, nearly three minutes faster than the previous mark set by Margaret Okayo. Obiri's victory came amidst a competitive field, with two other Kenyan women also breaking the old record, resulting in an all-Kenyan podium. The men's race concluded with Benson Kipruto also of Kenya winning in a thrilling sprint finish, marking a historic moment as both the men's and women's races featured exclusively Kenyan athletes on the podium. Following these records, the marathon landscape is poised for further intensification as elite runners continue to push boundaries in upcoming events.

Dive Deeper:

• Hellen Obiri's time of 2:19:51 surpassed the previous women's record of 2:22:31, set by Margaret Okayo in 2002, marking a significant milestone in marathon history.

• Alongside Obiri, Sharon Lokedi and Sheila Chepkiriu finished with times of 2:20:07 and 2:20:24, respectively, ensuring that all three podium spots were claimed by Kenyan athletes.

• Fiona O'Keeffe, the only American to reach the halfway mark competitively, finished fourth with a personal best of 2:22:49, recovering from a hip injury that had previously sidelined her.

• Annie Frisbie and Olympic champion Sifan Hassan followed O'Keeffe, finishing fifth and sixth with times of 2:24:12 and 2:24:43, respectively.

• In the men's division, Benson Kipruto won with a time of 2:08:09, narrowly defeating Alexander Mutiso, while Albert Korir secured third place, solidifying an all-Kenyan podium.

• Notably, legendary marathoner Eliud Kipchoge, competing in his first and last New York City marathon, finished 17th in 2:14:36, wearing a specialized racing top.

• Both Charles Hicks and Joe Klecker, making their marathon debuts, finished seventh and tenth, demonstrating the rising competitiveness of American runners.