Obiri sets new course record at NYC Half Marathon

Kenya’s Hellen Obiri delivered a stellar performance on Sunday to win the women’s race at the New York City Half Marathon, setting a new course record of 1:06:33.

The two-time Boston Marathon champion broke the previous course record of 1:07:04 that had been set in 2025 by fellow Kenyan Sharon Lokedi, lowering the mark by 31 seconds.

Lokedi finished second in the race after clocking 1:07:10.

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Obiri’s victory further cemented her status as one of the world’s top long-distance runners, continuing her impressive form in major international road races.

In the men’s race, South Africa’s Adriaan Wildschutt won the title after posting a time of 59:30, finishing 11 seconds ahead of Zouhir Talbi of the United States.

American runner Grant Fisher, an Olympic medalist on the track, finished 14th in 1:00:53 in his debut at the half-marathon distance.

Leaders in Kenya also congratulated Obiri for the milestone, among them Mining Cabinet Secretary Hassan Joho, who hailed the victory as an inspiring achievement that demonstrates determination and excellence on the global stage.

"Congratulations to Hellen Obiri for the spectacular victory at the 2026 New York City Half Marathon, clinching the title in style and setting a remarkable new course record of 1:06:33. This is an inspiring achievement that showcases true determination and excellence on the global stage. Keep it up, Hellen,” Joho said.

Tourism CS Rebbeca Miano congratulated Obiri saying the country is proud of her achievement.

“Congratulations, Hellen Obiri, for setting a new record on today's 2026 NYC Half Marathon. We are proud of this achievement.”

Obiri is a long-distance runner and one of the world’s most accomplished athletes. She has won major global titles on the track, in cross-country, and in road running. Obiri is a two-time world champion in the 5,000 metres and an Olympic silver medalist.

She later transitioned to marathon running, where she quickly rose to elite status. Obiri is known for her strong finishing kick, mental toughness, and consistency across different running surfaces (track, road, and cross-country).

Her shift to marathon running has seen her achieve success in some of the most prestigious global road races. Lokedi is a two-time major marathon winner (2022 New York and 2025 Boston) and major marathon silver medalist (2024 Boston), while Chepkirui is a 2016 5000 African Champion, Commonwealth Games bronze medalist, and World U18 champion.

The TCS New York City Marathon takes place every year in New York City. The race covers 42.195 km (26.2 miles) and runs through all five boroughs of the city—Staten Island, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and Manhattan—before finishing in Central Park.

The marathon attracts elite professional athletes, recreational runners, charity teams, and tens of thousands of participants from around the world.

Winning the New York City Marathon is considered one of the highest honours in long-distance running.

Because of the course’s bridges, hills, and crowds, it is known to be challenging but also extremely exciting and prestigious.