Kipchoge executes Six Star performance in New York

Distance running maestro Eliud Kipchoge completed the TCS New York City Marathon to complete his Six Star journey in Central Park.

The Kenyan icon, who claimed two Olympic marathon titles, set two world marathon records, secured 11 Abbott World Marathon Majors titles and ran a sub-two-hour marathon during an incomparable career, clocked a time of 2:14:36 on his debut in the Big Apple.

Competing with typical grace and class, Kipchoge was proud to have earned his Six Star medal having also completed the other original Marathon Majors – Tokyo, London, Berlin, Chicago and Boston.

Kipchoge’s NN Running teammate Abdi Nageeye, the defending champion, who had experienced a challenging build up, registered a DNF after dropping out before 30km.

In a thrilling finale, Benson Kipruto of Kenya clinched victory by less than two tenths of a second in 2:08:09 to repel the challenge of the fast-finishing Alexander Mutiso in what proved the closest ever finish at a New York City Marathon. Albert Korir in third (2:08:57), ensured a Kenyan clean sweep of the podium. 

Departing from the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge in perfect temperatures of 8c and marginal wind, a large lead pack of more than 20 men – including Kipchoge and Nageeye - passed 5km in a time of 15:11.

The super-sized lead group remained through 10km – reached in 30:22 - with Kipchoge prominent. By contrast, Nageeye was happy to nestle towards the back of the pack. 

By the halfway mark the lead group of 22 passed 21.1km in (1:05:18) – safely containing both Kipchoge and Nageeye.

The first significant move of the race was made by Hillary Bor who just after 25km – reached in 1:17:53 - mounted an attack. Rapidly the lead group was reduced to eight athletes with Nageeye and Kipchoge unable to respond to the surge in pace.

As Nageeye, a top five-finisher in each of the previous four editions of the New York City Marathon, unable to complete the race, Kipchoge slipped back, and he ran alone for much of the remainder of the race.

By 40km Kipruto, a former Tokyo, Boston and Chicago Marathon winner, and Mutiso, the 2024 London Marathon champion, had opened up a sizeable advantage on the rest of the field and the pair served up a captivating finale. Kipruto had appeared to open up a winning lead of five metres in the final 200m only for Mutiso to dig deep in the final stages to almost overhaul his Kenyan rival.

In a high-class women’s race, Hellen Obiri regained the New York City Marathon title following her victory in 2023 to win in a course record 2:19:51. Her fellow Kenyan Sharon Lokedi finished 16 seconds further back in second with Sheila Chepkirui completing the podium positions in third (2:20:24).