Kenya's Sheila Chepkirui won the 2026 New York City Marathon women's elite race Sunday, holding off American Jess McClain and defending champion Hellen Obiri in a thrilling finish through Central Park.
Chepkirui crossed the finish line in 2 hours, 24 minutes, 36 seconds, securing her second NYC Marathon title after winning in 2024.
McClain finished second in 2:24:42, just 6.19 seconds behind the champion, while Obiri took third in 2:24:43.
The women's race remained tightly contested throughout the five-borough course. Chepkirui led at 20K, 25K and 30K before Obiri moved ahead at 35K.
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Chepkirui reclaimed the lead at 40K, where Obiri trailed by just 0.04 seconds and McClain remained within striking distance.
The Kenyan pulled away over the final 2.2 kilometers to reclaim her crown.
Obiri, who set the women's course record of 2:19:51 in 2025, was denied a third New York victory.
New York City Marathon Results: Elite Women Runners
- Sheila Chepkirui (Kenya) — 2:24:36
- Jessica McClain (USA) — 2:24:42
- Hellen Obiri (Kenya) — 2:24:43
- Edna Kiplagat (Kenya) — 2:25:42
- Mercy Chelangat (Kenya) — 2:25:46
Carrie Ellwood (USA) — 2:26:28 - Weini Kelati (USA) — 2:26:51
- Paige Wood (USA) — 2:27:29
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