Almgren wins New York marathon debut as Chepkirui regains women’s title

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Sweden’s Andreas Almgren won the New York City Marathon on his debut over the distance on Sunday, while Kenya’s Sheila Chepkirui reclaimed the women’s title after a close finish in Central Park.

Almgren crossed the line in 2:06:01, finishing 13 seconds ahead of Italy’s Yemaneberhan Crippa. Lesotho’s Kamohelo Mofolo took third in 2:06:26, one second ahead of defending champion Benson Kipruto.

The 31-year-old had arrived with substantial success over shorter distances. He won the world half marathon title in Copenhagen in September in a European record of 58:06, having also claimed the European 10,000m title during the summer.

His first competitive marathon was decided by a late acceleration, with the leading men still exchanging positions before Almgren pulled clear in the final mile. The former 800m runner had chosen New York’s undulating route for his first competitive attempt at 42.195 kilometres.

Chepkirui won the women’s race in 2:24:36, adding to her New York victory in 2024. American Jessica McClain finished second in 2:24:42, passing defending champion Hellen Obiri in the closing strides. Obiri’s third-place time was 2:24:43.

The women’s contest remained closely grouped deep into the race. Eight runners were still in contention around 30 kilometres, before Chepkirui and Obiri moved to the front in the closing miles. Chepkirui produced the stronger finish, while McClain’s late surge changed the order behind her.

The result gave the United States its first women’s podium finish in New York since Shalane Flanagan placed third in 2018.

The event marked 50 years since the marathon moved from loops of Central Park to a course passing through all five of New York’s boroughs. This year’s elite races again finished in the park, with the leading women separated by only seven seconds.

Sources

• Yahoo Sports: Almgren wins his debut and Chepkirui takes a second New York title (2026-11-01)
• Associated Press via ClickOrlando: New York’s men’s and women’s winners confirmed
• World Athletics: official race background and Almgren’s move up to the marathon