2026 New York City Marathon Preview: Obiri Targets Third Title as Kipruto Faces Strong Challengers

Posted by: Watch Athletics

Thursday, 29 October 2026

Defending champions Hellen Obiri and Benson Kipruto return to the 2026 TCS New York City Marathon on Sunday, November 1, facing former winners, ambitious American contenders and two highly anticipated marathon debutants. The race also marks 50 years since New York adopted its five-districs course, providing a historic backdrop to compelling elite contests.

Women’s race: Obiri sets the standard

Hellen Obiri enters as the woman to beat after winning last year in 2:19:51, breaking Margaret Okayo’s course record from 2003. Already victorious in New York in 2023 and 2025, the Kenyan is chasing a third title, an achievement previously reached only by Grete Waitz, Mary Keitany and Paula Radcliffe. Her combination of finishing speed and proven success on this course makes her the strongest title prospect.

The clearest challenge could come from Sheila Chepkirui, whose 2024 victory demonstrated that she can beat Obiri in New York. Chepkirui returned to finish third last year and brings a personal best of 2:17:29. Fellow Kenyans Viola Cheptoo, with a best of 2:19:05, and Edna Kiplagat, the 2010 New York champion, add experience to the field. Mercy Chelangat, listed at 2:20:30, is another athlete capable of joining the leading group.

Two prominent names from the original announcement will be absent. Olympic champion Sifan Hassan withdrew after illness disrupted her preparations, while Fiona O’Keeffe, last year’s leading American, is missing following hamstring surgery. Their withdrawals create opportunities for other contenders to move into the top positions.

For American fans, Weini Kelati’s marathon debut is a major attraction. The national half marathon record holder brings outstanding credentials over shorter distances, but Sunday will test how effectively she can carry that ability through 26.2 miles. Her record in NYRR events offers encouragement: she finished first or second in four of her first six races with the organization.

Jessica McClain offers a more established marathon threat after finishing fifth in Boston this spring in 2:20:49. Annie Frisbie, fifth in New York last year, adds further strength to the American challenge. Germany’s Fabienne Königstein and Uruguay’s world bronze medallist Julia Paternain are also worth watching in the battle behind the leading Kenyan contenders.

Men’s race: Kipruto’s experience meets Almgren’s potential

Benson Kipruto returns after winning the closest finish in New York City Marathon history, edging Alexander Mutiso by just three hundredths of a second in 2025. With victories in Boston, Chicago, Tokyo and New York, the Kenyan has demonstrated the versatility required to win across very different marathon courses.

Former champions Geoffrey Kamworor and Abdi Nageeye provide formidable opposition. Kamworor won in 2017 and 2019 and has reached the podium in four of his five appearances, while Nageeye claimed the 2024 title. Their familiarity with the race gives them an important asset against several contenders making their first New York appearance.

Among those newcomers, Ethiopia’s Deresa Geleta owns a personal best of 2:02:38, second only to Kipruto’s 2:02:16 in the current field. Kenya’s CyBrian Kotut, a 2:03:22 performer, adds another serious podium candidate.

The most intriguing unknown is Andreas Almgren. Sweden’s world half marathon champion and European 10,000m champion makes his marathon debut with exceptional speed and endurance credentials. His shorter-distance success suggests enormous potential; the unanswered question is how he will manage the unfamiliar demands of the marathon while racing experienced major winners.

The American challenge centres on Conner Mantz and Zouhair Talbi. Mantz holds the American record at 2:04:43, while Talbi ran 2:03:45 on Boston’s record-ineligible course this April. Their meeting offers a compelling contest within the wider title race. Ryan Ford, Joe Klecker and last year’s leading American Joel Reichow provide additional depth.

On paper, Kipruto’s winning experience gives him a strong foundation for another title challenge. Yet Almgren’s debut, the returning champions and the Mantz–Talbi rivalry leave several plausible routes to a different winner.