You’ve probably seen the highlight reels by now. That frantic, shoulder-to-shoulder dash toward the tape in Central Park. The screams from the crowd.
Honestly, the finish of the 2025 race was just flat-out ridiculous.
When people ask who the winner of nyc marathon was this year, they’re usually looking for a name and a time. But if you actually watched Benson Kipruto and Hellen Obiri navigate those five boroughs, you know the stats don’t even tell half the story. We aren't just talking about fast runners. We are talking about a historic shifting of the guard and a course record that many experts thought would stay on the books for another decade.
The Men’s Finish Was Basically a Heart Attack
Let’s talk about Benson Kipruto.
Most people didn't have him as the runaway favorite. Sure, he’s a Major winner—he’s taken Boston and Chicago—but New York is a different beast. It’s hilly, it’s tactical, and it’s famously "slow."
Kipruto didn’t care.
In what goes down as the closest finish in the history of the New York City Marathon, Kipruto outkicked Alexander Mutiso by exactly three hundredths of a second. Imagine running 26.2 miles just to have it decided by the length of a fingernail.
They both clocked 2:08:09.
If you blinked, you missed the moment Kipruto leaned forward to snatch the title. It was the kind of victory that makes you realize why these elites train in the high altitudes of Iten; they need that extra gear when the lungs are burning at mile 25.
Hellen Obiri Didn't Just Win; She Demolished the Record
While the men were busy with their photo finish, Hellen Obiri was busy rewriting history.
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People often forget how long Margaret Okayo’s course record had stood. Since 2003, that 2:22:31 mark felt untouchable. Year after year, the wind or the humidity or the tactical "cat-and-mouse" games of the lead pack would keep the times in the 2:24 range.
Then came Obiri.
She crossed the line in 2:19:51.
Wait. Let that sink in. She took nearly three minutes off a 22-year-old record.
What’s even crazier is that she wasn't alone. Sharon Lokedi (2:20:07) and last year’s winner, Sheila Chepkirui (2:20:24), also finished under the old record. It was a complete Kenyan sweep of the podium and a masterclass in aggressive distance running.
Obiri is now only the ninth woman to become a repeat champion in NYC. She’s making a serious case for being the greatest female marathoner to ever lace up a pair of carbon-plated shoes.
Why the Winner of NYC Marathon Matters More Than You Think
Winning New York isn't like winning Berlin. In Berlin, you’re chasing a clock on a flat, paved pancake of a course. In New York, you’re fighting the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge, the quiet lulls of Queens, and the wall of sound on First Avenue.
The winner of nyc marathon has to be a tactical genius.
Take a look at how the 2025 race unfolded compared to the 2024 victory by Abdi Nageeye. Last year, Nageeye won with a 2:07:39, using a patient, "sit and kick" strategy to beat Evans Chebet. This year? The pace was relentless from the jump.
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The Kipchoge Factor
We have to mention Eliud Kipchoge.
The G.O.A.T. finally made his New York debut at age 40. Everyone wanted him to win. Most fans were hoping for one last "Kipchoge Special" where he floats away from the pack at mile 20.
It didn't happen.
He finished 17th with a 2:14:36.
It was a sobering reminder that the streets of New York respect no one—not even the man who ran a sub-two-hour marathon. But seeing him earn his Six Star Medal at the finish line was arguably the most emotional moment of the day.
The Americans Are Actually Closing the Gap
If you’re a fan of U.S. distance running, 2025 was actually a pretty good year, even if an American didn't take the top spot.
Fiona O’Keeffe is a name you need to remember.
She placed fourth in the women's race with a 2:22:49. That is officially the fastest time ever run by an American woman on the New York course. She stayed with the Kenyan leaders deep into the race, proving that the gap between the East African powerhouses and the rest of the world is shrinking in the women's field.
On the men’s side, Joel Reichow led the charge for the U.S., finishing sixth in 2:09:56. Seeing three American men in the top ten (Reichow, Charles Hicks, and Joe Klecker) suggests that the "marathon drought" might be ending sooner than we thought.
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Wheelchair Dominance
We can't talk about winners without mentioning the "Silver Bullet," Marcel Hug.
The man is a machine. He notched his seventh NYC title this year, finishing in 1:30:16. He’s now officially a "Streaker"—someone who has completed 15 or more NYC Marathons.
On the women's side, Susannah Scaroni defended her title in 1:42:10, finishing nearly six minutes faster than her 2024 time.
The level of athleticism in the wheelchair division right now is honestly staggering. They are hitting speeds on the descents that would get you a speeding ticket in a school zone.
Actionable Insights for Your Next Race
Whether you’re aiming to be the next winner of nyc marathon or just trying to finish your local 5K without stopping, there are lessons to be learned from the 2025 elite field.
- Patience is a weapon. Look at how Benson Kipruto waited until the literal last second to make his move. Many amateurs burn their matches at mile 18. Save some for the park.
- Course-specific training is non-negotiable. Obiri and Kipruto didn't just run miles; they ran hills. If your goal race has elevation, your training needs to reflect that, or the "bridges" will break you.
- Gear matters, but mindset wins. Every elite runner was wearing $300 "super shoes," but the race was decided by who could handle the pain of a 4:50 minute-per-mile pace in the final stretch.
If you're planning to run or even just watch next year, start by analyzing the 2025 split times on the official NYRR results page. Seeing where the leaders accelerated (usually around the Queensboro Bridge) can help you visualize your own strategy for conquering the five boroughs.
The 2025 New York City Marathon reminded us that no lead is safe and no record is permanent.
Keep an eye on the 2026 registration dates if you want your shot at the finish line in Central Park. Whether you're running for a world record or a personal best, the streets of New York are waiting.