Kipruto conquers New York Marathon in Kenyan podium sweep

For the first time since 2003, Kenyan men swept the New York City Marathon 2025 podium with Benson Kipruto and Alexander Mutiso exciting fans across the world with an incredible photo finish after 26.2 miles of racing.

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The Kenyan duo clocked 2:08:09 with Kipruto taking the win by just 0.16 of a second to become the first man to win all three World Marathon Majors, (Boston 2021, Chicago 2022, New York 2025) hosted in the US.

For the first time in the history of the prestigious event, Kenya achieved podium sweeps in both the men’s and women’s races.

A large group of over 20 runners passed 10km in 30:22 in what many felt was a pedestrian pace as none was willing to take charge and all were content to keep the pace steady.

Two-time Olympic champion, Eliud Kipchoge, in potentially his last World Marathon Major race, and Kenenisa Bekele were part of that pack, along with Albert Korir.

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The same group remained intact through 15km (46:01) and halfway (1:05:18).

However, 10 minutes later, American marathon debutant and former steeplechaser Hillary Bor injected a burst of pace, surging clear of the field.

His solo effort did not last long, but it served its purpose, stringing out the pack and setting the stage for the decisive moves to come.

Kipchoge was one of the biggest casualties of the tempo as he dropped to the chasing pack.

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By 30km (1:32:21), the lead group had been reduced to eight with Kenya's Abel Kipchumba, and Britain’s Patrick Dever still in contention.

They were still together at 35km (1:47:37), but the cohesion was short-lived.

As the pace quickened once more, the group splintered, leaving Kipruto, the Olympic bronze medalist, and Mutiso, the 2024 London Marathon champion, to battle for victory over the final kilometres.

Kipruto appeared to have made a decisive move in the closing stages, but Mutiso mounted a late challenge, surging back to within striking distance.

Kipruto held firm, though, crossing the line in 2:08:09 to claim his first New York title.

Korir followed in 2:08:57 for third place, just one second ahead of marathon debutant Dever.

"I felt strong throughout the race and in the final stages, I told myself I had what it takes to win this race. I am happy to have held on for victory against a tough field," Kipruto offered after the win.