Geoffrey Kamworor during a past New York Marathon victory/ HANDOUTTwo-time New York Marathon champion Geoffrey Kamworor says he is delighted to be heading back to the Big Apple on November 1, where he will be chasing a hat-trick of titles in what is widely regarded as one of the toughest races on the Abbott World Marathon Majors circuit.
Kamworor, one of Kenya's most versatile and accomplished distance runners, returns to New York armed with substantial experience of the demanding course and a rich history in one of the sport's most prestigious road races.
He made his maiden appearance in New York in 2015, securing a second-place finish in 2:10:48 behind compatriot Stanley Biwott, who claimed the title in 2:10:34.
Kamworor would then storm to his first victory in the Big Apple in 2017, slicing through the tape in 2:10:53 to edge compatriot Wilson Kipsang, who clocked 2:10:56, while Ethiopia's Lelisa Desisa finished third in 2:11:32.
The following year, Kamworor failed to defend his crown, finishing third in 2:06:26 behind Ethiopians Desisa, who won in 2:05:59, and Shura Kitata, who was second in 2:06:01.
However, the 33-year-old returned to the top step of the podium in 2019, cruising to victory in 2:08:13 to lead compatriot Albert Korir, who clocked 2:08:36, and Ethiopia's Girma Bekele, who crossed the line in 2:08:38.
Kamworor's most recent outing in New York in 2024, however, saw him miss out on the podium as he was forced to settle for fifth place after clocking 2:08:50.
That race saw Netherlands' Abdi Nageeye claim victory in 2:07:39 ahead of Kenyans Evans Chebet, who timed 2:07:45, and Korir, who finished third in 2:08:00.
As one of the headline acts for this year's showpiece, Kamworor is relishing the prospect of returning to a course that has delivered two of his most cherished victories and both of his career Abbott World Marathon Majors titles. "I am very excited to be going back to New York," Kamworor shared.
He highlighted the immense feeling that comes with lining up for the New York Marathon, a race renowned for its electric atmosphere and unforgiving course. "It's always an incredible experience to run the biggest marathon in the world. I'm really looking forward to feeling the energy of the crowd again."
Kamworor heads to New York in search of top form following a dip in rhythm after a strong start to his 2026 campaign.
On February 14, Kamworor opened his season with an emphatic victory at the Ras Al Khaimah Half Marathon, storming to a 58:14 to lead Bahraini Birhanu Balew, who clocked 58:23, and fellow Kenyan Gideon Rono, who finished in 58:38.
On April 26, he finished eighth at the London Marathon, posting 2:05:38 in a race where compatriot Sebastian Sawe obliterated the world record, becoming the first man in history to run under two hours when he won in 1:59:30. Ethiopia's Yomif Kejelcha placed second in 1:59:41, while Ugandan Jacob Kiplimo completed the podium in 2:00:28.
Further, Kamworor heads to New York boasting a rich trophy cabinet built through years of dominance across the roads and cross country. His accolades include three world half marathon titles, secured in Copenhagen in 2014, Cardiff in 2016 and Valencia in 2018.
In cross country, he has dominated both at junior and senior level, capturing the junior title in Punta Umbria in 2011 before adding senior crowns in Guiyang in 2015 and Kampala in 2017, as well as a bronze medal in Aarhus in 2019.
