Sheila Chepkirui Wins Women's Race at New York City Marathon

Chepkirui clinched victory at the 2024 New York City Marathon in the women’s race with a time of 2:24:29. The Kenyan athlete surged past last year’s winner, Hellen Obiri, on the 26th and final mile inside Central Park, capturing the biggest win of her career to date.

Formerly a 5000m and 10,000m runner, Chepkirui transitioned to marathons in 2022, setting a personal best of 2:17:39 in Valencia that same year. In April, she finished sixth at the London Marathon, clocking 2:19:31.

Obiri, who previously won in Boston in 2023 and 2024 and in New York in 2023, held on to secure the runner-up position in 2:24:49. Kenya made history by sweeping the entire podium in the women’s race for the first time at the New York Marathon, with 41-year-old Vivian Cheruiyot finishing third in 2:25:21.

Sarah Vaughn was the top American finisher, placing sixth with a time of 2:26:56.

A large pack of 20 athletes reached the 10 km mark in 35:24 and the 15 km in 45:27. Chepkirui took charge at the halfway point, leading a group of 21 athletes through 21 km in 1:13:59. She remained at the front as they passed 25 km in 1:27:55. The pace intensified at 28 km, with Chepkirui, Obiri, and 2015 World 5000m silver medalist Senbere Teferi setting the lead.

The front group was reduced to 10 athletes by the 30 km mark, which they reached in 1:44:47. Cheruiyot attempted to break away, but Obiri and Chepkirui quickly closed the gap. This trio was soon joined by Teferi and Eunice Chumba at 34 km.

Teferi dropped off at 36 km as Chepkirui increased the pace.

Only Chepkirui, Obiri, and Cheruiyot remained in contention as they reached the 40 km point in 2:17:47. Chepkirui and Obiri then pulled away from Cheruiyot, who stayed just two seconds behind.

In the final 400 meters, Chepkirui launched her decisive sprint. Obiri couldn’t respond, allowing Chepkirui to cross the finish line 14 seconds ahead.

“The last mile was really hard, but I pushed myself to the limit. I am really happy,” Chepkirui said after her victory.

• New York City Marathon 2024 Results

TOP RESULTS WOMEN MARATHON