Kenyan runner Sheila Chepkirui claimed victory in the women’s division of the New York City Marathon on Sunday, overtaking defending champion Hellen Obiri in the race’s final stretch.
This marked Chepkirui’s debut in the iconic NYC Marathon, having begun her marathon journey in 2022. She crossed the finish line with a time of 2 hours, 24 minutes, and 35 seconds, edging Obiri by almost 15 seconds.
Obiri had hoped to become the first back-to-back champion since Mary Keitany’s three-year streak from 2014 to 2016. Vivian Cheruiyot, also from Kenya, placed third, securing a top-three sweep for Kenya.
BREAKING: Incredible 1-2-3 podium for Kenyan women in the New York City Marathon.
— Larry Madowo (@LarryMadowo) November 3, 2024
Sheila Chepkirui wins her first major marathon, defending champion Hellen Obiri #2 & Vivian Cheruiyot #3.
Kenyans invented running! pic.twitter.com/u62kpQHbxK
Newcomer Triumphs in New York Marathon, Marking a Memorable Race Day
Vaughn, originally set to compete in the Chicago Marathon, was sidelined by COVID-19 but made a late entry into this year’s New York City Marathon.
The race day began with a major upset in the men’s wheelchair event, as three-time defending champion Marcel Hug was outpaced by Daniel Romanchuk, who previously claimed victories in 2018 and 2019. Susannah Scaroni took the win in the women’s wheelchair race, adding her second New York title after her 2022 triumph. Notably, this marked the first time Americans claimed victories in both wheelchair events.
Not many women can outkick Hellen Obiri in a marathon, but Sheila Chepkirui just did it, to win the New York City Marathon in 2:24:35. Obiri, last year's champion, takes second in 2:24:49. pic.twitter.com/LESkz4Sjcn
— Fast Women (@fast_women) November 3, 2024
The marathon’s iconic 26.2-mile course carried runners through New York City’s five boroughs, starting on Staten Island and concluding in Central Park. This year marked the 48th time the marathon spanned all boroughs; in 1970, the route was confined to Central Park, where just 55 runners finished compared to the over 50,000 expected this year.
With temperatures in the lower 40s at the start, the cool weather was ideal for running, in contrast to last year’s warmer 61 degrees.
Your 2024 #TCSNYCMarathon Open Women's division champion is Sheila Chepkirui of Kenya in an official time of 2:24:35. 🥇 pic.twitter.com/TWr4a0nVJb
— TCS New York City Marathon (@nycmarathon) November 3, 2024
