The 2025 TCS New York City Marathon will be remembered as one of the most dramatic in the race’s 54-year history. On Sunday, November 2, Kenya’s Benson Kipruto edged compatriot Alexander Mutiso in the closest finish ever recorded in the men’s race, while Hellen Obiri demolished a 21-year-old course record to claim her second New York City Marathon title. More than 55,000 runners from nearly 150 countries traversed the five boroughs in what organizers call “the best day of the year, in the best city in the world.”
The Closest Finish in NYC Marathon History
In a finish that will be replayed for years to come, Kipruto and Mutiso sprinted neck-and-neck down the final stretch in Central Park, both lunging for the tape with arms raised in victory. When the photo finish was examined, officials determined that Kipruto had edged his fellow Kenyan by a mere 0.03 secondsâboth men clocking 2:08:09.
The margin topped the previous closest finish from 2005, which was decided by a full second, making this the tightest result in the race’s history. The drama drew comparisons to the men’s marathon at the World Championships in Tokyo just two months earlier, which was decided by the exact same margin of 0.03 seconds.
“I was aware that Mutiso was behind,” said Kipruto after the race. “It was so close and I knew because I know Mutiso is a strong guy. I was giving myself a moral boost, saying, ‘c’mon, you can win!’ I was pushing so hard to make sure I won.”
The victory marked Kipruto’s first New York City Marathon win and secured his place in marathon history as the first man to capture victory at four different World Marathon Majors. The 34-year-old has now won the Boston Marathon (2021), Chicago Marathon (2022), Tokyo Marathon (2024), and New York City Marathon (2025)âan achievement that places him among the sport’s elite.
Kenyan Sweep of Men’s Podium
The tight finish at the front didn’t diminish the quality of performances behind. Albert Korir, the 2021 New York City Marathon champion, claimed third place in 2:08:57, narrowly holding off British marathon debutant Patrick Dever, who ran 2:08:58 in an impressive first attempt at the distance.
The podium sweep gave Kenya its second consecutive year with the top three spots in the men’s race, underscoring the East African nation’s continued dominance in marathon running. All three podium finishers are sponsored by Adidas, with Kipruto racing in the brand’s premium Adizero Adios Pro Evo 2, which retails for $500.
American Men Shine in Marathon Debuts
While Kenya dominated the podium, American distance runners delivered breakthrough performances that signal a bright future for U.S. marathon running. Joel Reichow of Minnesota Distance Elite claimed top American honors with a sixth-place finish in 2:09:56, earning the 2025 Grandma’s Marathon champion both prize money and respect on the world stage.
Even more impressive were the marathon debuts of Charles Hicks and Joe Klecker, who finished seventh and tenth respectively. Hicks clocked 2:09:59, missing sub-2:10 by a single second in his first marathon, while Klecker ran 2:10:37. Both performances demonstrated the depth of American distance running talent and provided optimism for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
Hillary Bor, a two-time Olympian in the steeplechase, fearlessly ran to the lead several times throughout his marathon debut, ultimately finishing 12th in 2:10:47. His aggressive racing style and competitive spirit earned admiration even if the pace proved ultimately unsustainable.
Obiri Obliterates Course Record
While the men’s race delivered drama at the finish line, the women’s competition showcased sustained excellence as Hellen Obiri ran away with both the victory and the course record. The 35-year-old three-time Olympic medalist surged past 2022 champion Sharon Lokedi in the final mile to break the tape in 2:19:51, shattering Margaret Okayo’s 21-year-old record of 2:22:31 by nearly three minutes.
“I feel so greatâŠI actually didn’t know it was a course record until the finish line and they told me that,” said Obiri after claiming her second New York City Marathon title. “I’m so happy to break the course record. My mind was there for a win or to be on the podium.”
The longevity of Okayo’s record, set in the pre-super shoes era of 2003, stood as a testament to the challenging nature of New York’s course, which features bridges, turns, and strategic complexity that often prevent the fastest times. Obiri’s destruction of that mark, wearing On Running’s innovative Cloudboom Strike LS spray-on sneaker, marked a new chapter in the race’s history.
Battle of Champions Delivers Historic Depth
The 2025 women’s race featured something rare in marathon running: the three most recent champions competing head-to-head. For the first time since 2018, Obiri (2023 winner), Lokedi (2022 winner), and Sheila Chepkirui (2024 winner) all lined up in the same raceâand they delivered performances worthy of their champion status.
All three finished under the old course record, with Lokedi taking second in 2:20:07 and Chepkirui claiming third in 2:20:24. The trio ran shoulder-to-shoulder through 20 miles, creating compelling drama on First Avenue as spectators witnessed history in the making.
Lokedi had defeated Obiri at the Boston Marathon earlier in the year with a course record of her own, adding an extra layer of intrigue to their duel. However, Obiri’s strength in the closing miles proved decisive, allowing her to pull away and secure victory.
American Women Make History
In one of the strongest American showings in race history, four U.S. women placed in the top ten, led by Fiona O’Keeffe’s stunning fourth-place finish. The 2024 U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials champion ran with the lead pack through 20 miles before falling off around the 20-mile mark, but still managed to finish in 2:22:49âthe fastest time ever recorded by an American woman on the New York City Marathon course.
“Really exciting. I can’t take too much credit for the time; that was all on the women ahead of me,” O’Keeffe said modestly. “Grateful to be back in the marathon. Feels like coming home.”
Her performance earned her $50,000 in total prize moneyâ$25,000 for fourth place overall and $25,000 as the top American finisher. Annie Frisbie finished fifth in 2:24:12, while Emily Sisson (2:25:05) and Amanda Vestri (2:25:40) rounded out the top ten American contingent.
The depth of American women’s marathon running was particularly notable given that Olympic marathon bronze medalist Sifan Hassan of the Netherlands finished sixth in 2:24:43, behind four American runners.
Wheelchair Division Excellence
The wheelchair races continued to showcase world-class performances, with familiar names claiming victory. Switzerland’s Marcel Hug captured his record seventh New York City Marathon title in 1:30:16, extending his dominance of the event and cementing his status as one of the greatest wheelchair marathoners in history.
“It feels surreal to win so many times here in New York,” said Hug, a seven-time Paralympic champion. “It’s really meaningful to me. On this course, on this challenging course, on this really unique marathon, it means a lot to win a seventh time.”
Hug’s victory came despite dealing with a back strap issue during the race that cost him valuable seconds. He beat Great Britain’s David Weir by nearly four minutes, finishing in 1:30:16 to Weir’s 1:34:09.
In the women’s wheelchair division, American Susannah Scaroni successfully defended her title with a time of 1:42:10, marking her third overall New York City Marathon victory. The performance came just three weeks after her victory at the Chicago Marathon, demonstrating her incredible consistency at the highest level of the sport.
Fellow American Tatyana McFadden, a wheelchair racing legend in her own right, finished second in 1:47:54. Both wheelchair champions earned $50,000 for their victories.
Kipchoge’s Emotional Finale
One of the weekend’s most poignant storylines involved the New York City Marathon debut of Eliud Kipchoge, the two-time Olympic champion and former world record holder. Running just three days before his 41st birthday, Kipchoge finished 17th in 2:14:36âfar from his usual dominant form but completing what he hinted might be his final World Marathon Major.
The legendary Kenyan was not a factor over the final 10 miles, drifting back from the lead pack as younger legs pulled away. Yet his presence in the race and willingness to compete at the highest level, even in the twilight of his career, earned him tremendous respect from fellow competitors and fans alike.
Fellow marathon legend Kenenisa Bekele of Ethiopia also struggled, dropping out at mile 17 after beginning to fade around mile 15. The difficulties faced by both legends underscored the unforgiving nature of marathon racing and the inevitable passage of time, even for the greatest athletes.
A Marathon for Everyone
Beyond the elite competition, the 2025 New York City Marathon celebrated the thousands of everyday runners pursuing their own dreams. Notable participants included hip-hop star N.O.R.E., MTV Catfish host Nev Schulman, and Ali Truwit, who finished in 4:14:34 just over a year after losing her leg in a shark attack and then winning two Paralympic medals in swimming.
More than 600 charity partners were represented, with runners raising millions of dollars for causes ranging from cancer research to AIDS support. The race’s unique characterâwinding through all five boroughs, across five bridges, cheered by millions of spectatorsâcreates an atmosphere unlike any other marathon in the world.
Prize Money and Recognition
The 2025 TCS New York City Marathon distributed $969,000 in total prize money, with $100,000 going to each open division winner. The prize structure rewards not only overall performance but also American finishers, providing crucial financial support for domestic distance running development.
Kipruto and Obiri each earned $100,000 for their victories, while the top American finishers received additional bonuses on top of their placement prizes. The substantial prize purse reflects New York’s status as one of the six World Marathon Majors and ensures the race continues to attract the world’s best athletes.
Looking Forward
As runners recover and reflect on their New York City Marathon experiences, several storylines emerge that will shape future races. Obiri’s course record sets a new standard for women’s performance on this challenging course. Kipruto’s dramatic victory and status as a four-Major champion establishes him among the sport’s elite. The emergence of young American talent in both men’s and women’s races provides optimism for U.S. distance running.
Most importantly, the 2025 edition demonstrated once again why the New York City Marathon holds a special place in the hearts of runners worldwideâcombining world-class competition with an inclusive celebration of human determination, all set against the backdrop of one of the world’s greatest cities.
2025 TCS New York City Marathon Results
Men’s Elite Race:
1. Benson Kipruto (Kenya) – 2:08:09
2. Alexander Mutiso (Kenya) – 2:08:09 (+0.03 seconds)
3. Albert Korir (Kenya) – 2:08:57
4. Patrick Dever (Great Britain) – 2:08:58
5. Matthias Kyburz (Switzerland) – 2:09:55
6. Joel Reichow (USA) – 2:09:56
7. Charles Hicks (USA) – 2:09:59 (Marathon Debut)
10. Joe Klecker (USA) – 2:10:37 (Marathon Debut)
17. Eliud Kipchoge (Kenya) – 2:14:36
Women’s Elite Race:
1. Hellen Obiri (Kenya) – 2:19:51 (Course Record)
2. Sharon Lokedi (Kenya) – 2:20:07
3. Sheila Chepkirui (Kenya) – 2:20:24
4. Fiona O’Keeffe (USA) – 2:22:49 (American Course Record)
5. Annie Frisbie (USA) – 2:24:12
6. Sifan Hassan (Netherlands) – 2:24:43
8. Emily Sisson (USA) – 2:25:05
9. Amanda Vestri (USA) – 2:25:40
Wheelchair Division:
Men: Marcel Hug (Switzerland) – 1:30:16 (7th NYC win)
Women: Susannah Scaroni (USA) – 1:42:10 (2nd consecutive win)
Event Details:
Date: Sunday, November 2, 2025
Edition: 54th Annual
Participants: Over 55,000 from nearly 150 countries
Total Prize Money: $969,000
Status: World Marathon Major
