The New York City Marathon defending champions Hellen Obiri and Benson Kipruto have thrown down the gauntlet, making their intentions clear to return to the Big Apple on November 1 to defend their crowns.
On Wednesday evening, New York Marathon organisers announced the elite line-up for this year’s race, with Obiri and Kipruto leading the charge.
Further, the organisers revealed that they expect a huge field of entries following record-breaking participation in last year’s race.
“The TCS New York City Marathon has grown into one of the most inclusive and accessible sporting events in the world, bringing together nearly 60,000 participants and more than 2 million spectators to experience the transformative power of running every first Sunday of November.
“Last year’s race set an event record—for the second consecutive year—with 59,219 finishers, which at the time was the largest marathon in world history,” the race organisers said in a statement.
Last year, Obiri stormed to the women’s title in a course-record time of 2:19:51, securing her second New York crown in emphatic fashion. Obiri’s mark eclipsed the previous course benchmark of 2:22:31 set by fellow Kenyan Margaret Okayo back in 2003.
The Olympic marathon bronze medallist further spearheaded an all-Kenyan podium sweep, with Sharon Lokedi finishing second in 2:20:07 as Sheila Chepkirui rounded off the podium in 2:20:24. Obiri described last year’s triumph, capped by a course record, as one of the most memorable moments of her career.
“Last year’s TCS New York City Marathon was a dream come true, from breaking the course record and capturing my second title to celebrating with the incredible fans who line every mile of the course,” Obiri told race organisers.
Prior to her victory last year, Obiri had also secured the 2023 title after slicing through the tape in 2:27:23, holding off Ethiopian Letesenbet Gidey (2:27:29) and Lokedi (2:27:33).
Obiri also boasts a runner-up finish from 2024, when she clocked 2:24:49 behind fellow Kenyan Chepkirui, who triumphed in 2:24:35. The 36-year-old is now looking forward to another memorable outing on the streets of New York in November, where she will once again be among the leading contenders for the women’s crown.
“New York always brings out the best in me, and I’m excited to return and feel the energy of each borough during such a historic year,” she added.
She heads into New York on the back of a strong 2026 campaign that has seen her claim victory at the New York Half Marathon in 1:06:33, finish second at the London Marathon in 2:15:53 and place third at the New York Mini 10K in 31:10. Obiri will be joined in the elite field by Chepkirui, legendary distance star Edna Kiplagat, Viola Cheptoo and Mercy Chelangat.
Meanwhile, Kipruto clinched the men’s title in New York last year after a nail-biting finish that saw him edge Alexander Munyao by the narrowest of margins, with both Kenyan stars stopping the clock at 2:08:09. Britain’s Patrick Dever completed the podium in 2:08:58.
Kipruto was delighted with his triumph on his maiden appearance at the New York Marathon and is relishing another opportunity to take on the demanding five-borough course.
“My first experience at the TCS New York City Marathon was unforgettable, and I am thrilled to return,” Kipruto said.
While he remains bullish about his chances, the 35-year-old expects a fiercely contested championship in November, with the depth of the elite field likely to make the title defence anything but straightforward. “Every major marathon is important, but New York has a unique atmosphere and community. The competition will be particularly strong, and I’m eager to defend my title on one of the sport’s biggest stages.”
Kipruto will particularly be searching for a return to top form after a mixed bag of outings this season. He placed third at the Boston Marathon in 2:02:50 before finishing eighth at the Bogota Half Marathon in 1:05:35. He will be joined on the starting line by the evergreen Geoffrey Kamworor, Cybrian Kotut and Edward Cheserek.
