NEW YORK, N.Y. — A first-time marathoner from Sweden and a returning champion from Kenya crossed the line first in Central Park on Sunday as the New York City Marathon marked 50 years on its five-borough course.
Andreas Almgren, running 26.2 miles in a race for the first time, pulled clear of Italy’s Yemaneberhan Crippa over the last stretch in the park and won the men’s race in 2:06:01. Crippa finished 13 seconds back in 2:06:14. Kamohelo Mofolo of Lesotho ran a personal best of 2:06:26 for third and edged Kenya’s Benson Kipruto, last year’s winner, right at the finish.
Almgren, 31, started his career as an 800-meter runner and owns the world half marathon title. He chose the hilly, tactical New York course for his debut and spent most of the morning tucked near the front while others pushed the pace.
American Zouhair Talbi tried to break things open more than once, including a surge just past the 25-kilometer mark on the Queensboro Bridge. Each move was answered, and Talbi faded late to finish sixth in 2:06:43. Conner Mantz was the next American behind him in 11th place after Ahmed Muhumed and Ryan Ford.
The women’s race came down to the same two Kenyans who have traded the title. Sheila Chepkirui, the 2024 champion, outkicked defending winner Hellen Obiri and won in 2:24:36. American Jess McClain caught Obiri in the final meters to take second in 2:24:42, one second ahead, the best New York finish by a U.S. woman since 2018. Edna Kiplagat, 46, was fourth.
In the wheelchair races, Switzerland swept both titles. Marcel Hug beat Daniel Romanchuk by one second in 1:28:14, and Catherine Debrunner won the women’s race in 1:40:02, well ahead of Tatyana McFadden.
All times are unofficial until the race releases its full results.
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