Almgren wins New York Marathon on his debut, Chepkirui takes the women's race

Andreas Almgren won the New York City Marathon in his first attempt at the distance, breaking clear of the lead pack after 35 kilometers to run 2:06:01. The Swede pulled away from Italy's Yemaneberhan Crippa, second in 2:06:14, with 21 year old Kamohelo Mofolo of Lesotho third in 2:06:26. Defending champion Benson Kipruto of Kenya finished fourth in 2:06:27, almost two minutes faster than his winning time a year ago but still off the podium. Zouhair Talbi was the first American home, in sixth.

Almgren's time was the fastest winning run in New York since Tamirat Tola's 2023 course record of 2:04:58, though well short of it. Geoffrey Kamworor led through 30 kilometers before American record holder Conner Mantz moved to the front near 35 kilometers and then faded outside the top ten.

In the women's race, Sheila Chepkirui of Kenya won in 2:24:36. Jessica McClain was second for the United States in 2:24:42, and defending champion Hellen Obiri placed third in 2:24:43, six seconds back. Edna Kiplagat and Mercy Chelangat rounded out a top five with four Kenyans in it.

In the wheelchair races, Switzerland's Marcel Hug won the men's title in 1:28:14 and Catherine Debrunner won the women's in 1:40:02.

A first time marathoner beat a field full of major champions, and the defending men's champion still ran two minutes faster than the pace that won him the race last year. That is what New York does to a field.

Sources: Marathon Handbook; FloTrack; Marathon Journal.