The Netherlands’ Abdi Nageeye wins thrilling men’s race at New York City Marathon

Abdi Nageeye of the Netherlands triumphed in a dramatic men’s race at the New York City Marathon on Sunday, while Kenya’s Sheila Chepkirui made a stunning debut by winning the women’s event. Both races showcased fierce competition and exhilarating finishes, drawing thousands of spectators to the streets of New York.

Nageeye executed a powerful sprint in the final moments to overtake defending champion Evans Chebet, finishing with a time of 2:07:39—six seconds ahead of Chebet. The race unfolded with a strong six-man pack emerging in the last ten miles, each athlete gradually losing pace as the finish line approached. Among the leaders, Tamarit Tola, the previous year’s winner, fell behind with five miles remaining, ultimately finishing in fourth place. Albert Korir from Kenya rounded out the podium in third.

In the women’s race, the excitement was equally palpable as Chepkirui made her decisive move just before the finish line, breaking away from compatriot Hellen Obiri, the defending champion. Chepkirui clocked in at 2:24:35, fulfilling her promise as one of the pre-race favorites, while Obiri trailed by nearly 15 seconds. Vivian Cheruiyot completed the all-Kenyan podium in third place, showcasing the strength of Kenyan female distance runners.

The wheelchair division also featured notable performances, with American Daniel Romanchuk securing his first NYC Marathon victory since 2019. Romanchuk ended Swiss star Marcel Hug’s remarkable streak, which included 16 consecutive marathon wins. Hug struggled early in the race, finishing fourth, while Britain’s David Weir claimed second place just five seconds behind Romanchuk. Japan’s Tomoki Suzuki took third after an exhilarating sprint to the finish, seven seconds later.

Romanchuk’s compatriot Susannah Scaroni dominated the women’s wheelchair race, winning by more than ten minutes. This marked a historic moment, as it was the first time both wheelchair races were won by Americans in the event’s history. “It’s always so special to be here in New York City,” Scaroni remarked. “I woke up feeling great today, and I never take that for granted. Coming up the last hill, we had a tailwind, which gave me a little extra energy.”

The marathon, one of the largest in the world, once again showcased the resilience and determination of its participants, from elite athletes to everyday runners. The course, stretching through all five boroughs of New York City, presents a unique challenge, combining steep hills and varied terrain that test even the most seasoned competitors.

Nageeye’s victory adds to a growing list of accomplishments for the Dutch runner, who has steadily risen through the ranks in the marathon world. His tactical racing, coupled with a strong finish, illustrated his skill and determination. “I knew it was going to be a tough race,” he stated after the victory. “But I believed in my training and knew I could finish strong.”

Chepkirui’s performance further cements Kenya’s dominance in long-distance running. With her powerful sprint and strategic pacing, she demonstrated why she was among the favorites heading into the race. “This victory means everything to me, especially in my debut,” Chepkirui expressed, reflecting on her journey to the marathon.

As the dust settles on this year’s New York City Marathon, both Nageeye and Chepkirui have established themselves as forces to be reckoned with in the distance running community. Their victories not only highlight their individual talents but also contribute to the rich legacy of the marathon, inspiring countless runners around the world to pursue their dreams.

With the marathon season in full swing, fans and athletes alike are already looking forward to next year’s event, eager to witness more thrilling finishes and inspiring stories on the streets of New York City.