Andreas Almgren and Sheila Chepkirui Win 2026 New York City Marathon

Men's race: Almgren's debut victory

Andreas Almgren of Sweden won the men's division of the 2026 TCS New York City Marathon on November 1 in 2 hours, 6 minutes and 1 second. It was his first marathon. He pulled away from Yemaneberhan Crippa of Italy in the final mile. Crippa finished 13 seconds back. Kamohelo Mofolo of Lesotho placed third, just ahead of defending champion Benson Kipruto of Kenya.

Almgren, 31, is the reigning world half-marathon champion and a 2025 World Championships bronze medalist in the 10,000 meters. He had previously competed mainly at shorter distances. After the race he said he had the legs when the pace increased with 5 kilometers remaining. His time ranks among the fastest on the New York course. He is the first European man to win the five-borough race in three decades and the first debut winner since 2010.

Women's race: Chepkirui repeats

Sheila Chepkirui of Kenya won the women's race in 2:24:36, her second New York title after 2024. She pulled clear of Hellen Obiri in the final 150 meters. American Jessica McClain finished second in 2:24:42, overtaking Obiri in the closing strides for third in 2:24:43. McClain became the first American woman on the New York podium since Shalane Flanagan in 2018.

Chepkirui and Obiri had broken from the pack with about four miles remaining. The top nine finishers were from Kenya or the United States. More than 60,000 runners started the 26.2-mile course through all five boroughs, marking the 50th anniversary of the five-borough route.

Additional results and context

American Zouhair Talbi finished sixth in the men's race and recorded the fastest time by a U.S. runner in the event. Wheelchair winners included Marcel Hug (eighth men's title) and Catherine Debrunner. The race drew a record field. Almgren's performance and Chepkirui's successful defense of her title headlined a day of close finishes and national firsts.