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The 2025 TCS New York City Marathon lived up to its billing as one of the world’s most iconic road races, delivering a day of dramatic finishes, historic records, and global triumphs. Over 50,000 runners from more than 140 countries crossed all five boroughs — from Staten Island to Central Park — in this year’s 26.2-mile test of endurance, resilience, and national pride. Kenya’s Hellen Obiri, a two-time world champion on the track, made marathon history by winning the women’s division with a record-breaking time of 2 hours, 19 minutes, and 51 seconds, surpassing last year’s winning mark by nearly five minutes. The 35-year-old Obiri edged compatriot Sharon Lokedi by just 16 seconds, cementing her place among the sport’s all-time greats. “This city brings out my best,” Obiri said after the race. “The crowd, the energy, the history—it all pushed me forward.” Obiri’s victory marks her second consecutive NYC Marathon win and sets a new standard for women’s marathon racing in New York, previously considered one of the most tactically challenging courses due to its hills and bridges. Benson Kipruto Wins Men’s Race in a Photo Finish The men’s race offered equal spectacle as Benson Kipruto, also of Kenya, edged fellow countryman Alexander Mutiso by less than a second, crossing the Central Park finish line in 2:08:09. The two raced neck-and-neck for the final stretch, their duel decided only by milliseconds. The finish recalled past Kenyan rivalries that have come to define marathon running’s modern era. “It’s about discipline, teamwork, and heart,” Kipruto told reporters. “We ran for Kenya today.” Last year’s men’s champion, Abdi Nageeye of the Netherlands, finished outside the podium in an unusually tactical race shaped by brisk headwinds over the Queensboro Bridge and through Harlem. American Sarah Hall Finishes Strong in Top 10 Among American contenders, Sarah Hall of California emerged as the top U.S. finisher, continuing her extraordinary resurgence in distance running. Hall, a 10-time national champion and former American half-marathon record holder, finished inside the top 10 overall, earning praise for her consistency and composure. “New York always tests you differently,” Hall said after the race. “It’s about courage, not comfort.” Hall’s performance follows her fifth-place finish at the World Athletics Championships, reaffirming her position as one of America’s most accomplished marathoners. A Stanford alumna, Hall is married to former Olympian Ryan Hall, the American men’s half-marathon record holder. Together, they run the Hall Steps Foundation, which supports health and education initiatives in developing nations. Wheelchair Races: Hug and Scaroni Dominate In the wheelchair divisions, Switzerland’s Marcel Hug returned to dominance, clocking 1:30:16 to reclaim his title after last year’s upset. American Susannah Scaroni captured her third NYC Marathon title — and second consecutive — with a blistering 1:42:10, shaving nearly six minutes off her previous time. Scaroni, who overcame a severe spinal injury earlier in her career, called her victory “a gift and a reminder of grace under pressure.” A Record Crowd and a Day for the Ages The New York Road Runners (NYRR) estimated over 1.5 million spectators lined the route across Staten Island, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and Manhattan. Runners from every background — elite athletes, charity fundraisers, and first-timers alike — were cheered on by crowds waving flags and beating drums. With near-perfect 58°F weather and clear skies, the 2025 NYC Marathon was not just a race — it was a celebration of endurance and humanity. “The marathon is New York at its best,” said NYC Mayor Eric Adams, congratulating the winners. “The world runs here — and today, we all won.” Get Latest News Live on Times Now along with Breaking News and Top Headlines from US News and around the World.
