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2026 New York City Marathon

Hellen Obiri's NYC Marathon Journey: From Debut to Course Record

Hellen Obiri's NYC Marathon Journey: From Debut to Course Record

Hellen Obiri eyes a third NYC Marathon title in 2026. Revisit her journey from a sixth-place debut to a course record as she looks to make history again.

Oct 30, 2026 by Lauryn Heskin
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New York is a special place for Hellen Obiri. It is where her marathon career began and where she could now join some of the race’s most decorated champions.

Four years after finishing sixth in her marathon debut, the Kenyan returns to the 2026 New York City Marathon as a two-time champion and the course record holder. 

Follow FloTrack’s coverage of the New York City Marathon all weekend long.

A Challenging Debut in 2022

Before her marathon debut, Obiri had already established herself as one of the world’s best distance runners, earning multiple world titles and two silver Olympic medals. Her half-marathon debut offered further promise; in Istanbul in 2021, Obiri ran a 1:04:51, the fastest women’s debut at the time. 

However, her first appearance in New York offered an introduction to the demanding nature of marathon racing. Hoping for a debut as successful as the half, Obiri finished sixth in 2:25:49. While it wasn't what she had hoped for, it marked the start of a blossoming career transition.

Redemption and a First NYC Title

One year later, Obiri returned to New York with a major marathon victory under her belt. That April, she won the Boston Marathon in 2:21:38, improving on her debut time by more than four minutes.

The 2023 race was tactical from the start, with a conservative early pace that saw 11 runners in the lead pack through Mile 20. Known for a powerful finishing kick, the race played to Obiri’s strengths, as she pulled away to secure her first victory in The Big Apple. Obiri crossed the line in 2:27:23, just six seconds ahead of second-place Letesenbet Gidey. 

Her win marked a historic moment: it was the first time in 34 years a woman had won the Boston and New York City Marathons in the same year.

A Course PB, But Runner-Up Finish in 2024

In 2024, Obiri sought another Boston-New York double after successfully reclaiming her title in Boston that April. 

Standing in her way was fellow Kenyan Sheila Chepkirui, who was making her New York City Marathon debut. With a personal best of 2:17:29, Chepkirui brought the experience and expertise to challenge the reigning champion.

The Kenyans remained together for most of the race, but Chepkirui ultimately pulled away to claim the title. Obiri finished fourteen seconds behind Chepkirui in a course personal best of 2:24:49.

A Record-Breaking Return in 2025

When Obiri returned in 2025, she was coming off a second-place finish in Boston, where she ran 2:17:41. In New York, she faced a strong field that included Chepkirui, Sharon Lokedi, reigning Olympic champion Sifan Hassan, and American Fiona O'Keeffe. 

With a fast field and cool temperatures, conditions were favorable for a fast race.

Obiri and Lokedi were neck and neck through 25 miles before Obiri surged away to come down the home stretch all alone, clocking a 2:19:51. In reclaiming her crown, she broke Margaret Okayo’s 22-year-old course record by two minutes and 40 seconds.

The course that had originally challenged Obiri was now the site of a record-breaking victory.

A Third Title Within Reach

This year, Obiri returns with an opportunity to become just the fourth woman to win at least three New York City Marathon titles. 

Her competition is as strong as ever. Chepkirui returns in search of a second title, while Kenyan Viola Cheptoo comes in with a personal best of 2:19:05. The Americans also will be gunning for a strong showing, with Jess McClain eyeing a podium finish and Annie Frisbie returning after a fifth-place finish last year. Another American in contention is Weini Kelati, making her highly anticipated marathon debut.

Obiri has experienced the highs and lows of marathon racing in New York. On Sunday, she has a chance to strengthen her place among the race’s greats.

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