Kipruto and Obiri Aim for Historic Back-to-Back Wins at New York Marathon

NEW YORK: Defending champions Benson Kipruto and Hellen Obiri of Kenya are set to chase history as they aim for back-to-back titles in the New York Marathon this Sunday. Approximately 60,000 runners from 140 nations will compete in the iconic 26.2-mile (42.16 km) race that winds through the five boroughs of New York City.

Kipruto, who clinched last year’s marathon in a nail-biting finish, edged compatriot Alex Mutiso by a mere three-hundredths of a second, both crossing the line at 2:08:09. The 36-year-old is looking to become the first man since Geoffrey Mutai in 2013 to win consecutive New York Marathons. His impressive resume also includes victories at the 2021 Boston Marathon, the 2022 Chicago Marathon, and the 2024 Tokyo Marathon, alongside a third-place finish at this year’s Boston Marathon.

The marathon will also mark the North American debut of Ethiopia’s Deresa Geleta, who finished sixth in this year’s London Marathon. Additionally, excitement surrounds the marathon debut of 31-year-old Swede Andreas Almgren, who recently set a European half-marathon record of 58:06 in Copenhagen. Almgren expressed his anticipation, stating, “I haven’t felt nervous yet. Right now it’s just excitement.”

As the marathon approaches, the event not only showcases elite athleticism but also fosters a sense of community and international camaraderie among participants and spectators alike. The race is expected to draw significant attention, with many eyes on Kipruto and Obiri as they attempt to solidify their legacies in marathon history.