Kenyan runners Benson Kipruto and Hellen Obiri cemented their country's long-distance running legacy with commanding victories in the men's and women's 2025 TCS New York City Marathon.

Both victories secured Kenya's supremacy in one of the world's most famous running events.

Benson Kipruto Wins the Men's Race in Nail-biting Fashion

New York Marathon 2025
(L-R) Alexander Mutiso of Kenya, Benson Kipruto of Kenya and Albert Korir of Kenya pose for a photo after placing in the Professional Men’s Open Division during the 2025 TCS New York City Marathon on November 02, 2025 in New York City. Ishika Samant/Getty Images

According to the official Olympics page, the 34-year-old Benson Kipruto won the Pro Men's race masterfully. The Olympic bronze medalist crossed the finish line in 2:08:09, besting fellow Kenyan Alexander Mutiso by just 0.03 seconds. Compatriot Albert Korir finished off the all-Kenyan podium with 2:08:57.

It was the first New York City Marathon victory for Kipruto, adding to his growing résumé of marathon victories in Tokyo in 2024, Chicago in 2022, and Boston in 2021. The bronze medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics further enhanced his consistency among the world's elite marathoners.

Hellen Obiri Wins Back-to-Back NYC Marathon Titles

New York City Marathon 2025: Kenya's Kipruto, Obri Dominate Elite New York City Marathon 2025: Kenya's Kipruto, Obri Dominate Elite
Ishika Samant/Getty Images

Obiri, a winner for the first time in New York in 2023, has turned into one of the most decorated marathon runners of this generation, combining tactical brilliance with unmatched endurance.

Running Becomes Global Celebration

This year's marathon attracted an estimated 55,000 runners from more than 150 countries, making it the largest in the world. The 26.2-mile course spanned all five New York City boroughs and crossed five bridges, offering participants a truly iconic experience.

Because the New York Road Runners produce this event, it is designed to recognize athletic accomplishments and further charitable causes. Over 600 charity partners participated in the 2025 race, raising millions of dollars for global and local causes.

In the wheelchair division, Switzerland's Marcel Hug, a seven-time Paralympic gold medalist, won in 1:30:16, while American Susannah Scaroni, 34, repeated as women's champion in 1:42:10. Each winner received $50,000, a record payout for the wheelchair division. The overall prize purse of the NYC Marathon 2025 hits $969,000.