Ruto hails Chepkirui, Obiri and others as leaders applaud Kenya’s dominance at New York Marathon

Ruto hails Chepkirui, Obiri and others as leaders applaud Kenya’s dominance at New York Marathon - President William Ruto and other leaders have praised Kenyan athletes after Sheila Chepkirui reclaimed the New York City Marathon title, with Kenya taking four of the top five spots. (Photo: Handout)

The President joined senior government officials in congratulating Sheila Chepkirui and other Kenyan athletes after the country secured four of the top five positions at the 2026 New York City Marathon.

President William Ruto and senior government officials have celebrated Kenya’s dominance at the 2026 New York City Marathon, where Sheila Chepkirui reclaimed the women’s title as Kenyan athletes claimed four of the top five positions.

Chepkirui clocked 2:24:36 to secure her second New York Marathon crown, adding to her maiden victory in 2024. American Jessica McClain finished second in 2:24:42, narrowly edging defending champion Hellen Obiri, who settled for third in 2:24:43.

President Ruto praised Chepkirui and Obiri for flying Kenya’s flag high and reinforcing the country’s reputation as a global athletics powerhouse.

“We are proud of Sheila Chepkirui for winning the New York City Marathon in an impressive time of 2:24:36, and Hellen Obiri for securing third place,” Ruto said.

Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya also congratulated the athletes, highlighting Kenya’s impressive performance in both the women’s and men’s races.

Mvurya singled out 46-year-old Edna Kiplagat, who finished fourth in 2:25:42, and Mercy Chelangat, who placed fifth in 2:25:46, giving Kenya four of the top five positions in the women’s race.

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“Congratulations, Team Kenya, for flying Kenya’s flag high and sustaining our proud athletics legacy!” said Mvurya.

Sheila Chepkirui celebrates after reclaiming the 2026 New York City Marathon women’s title. (Photo: World Athletics)

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen and Principal Secretary for the National Treasury Chris Kiptoo also joined in celebrating the Kenyan athletes.

Murkomen congratulated Chepkirui, Obiri and Kiplagat, while also applauding Philemon Kipchumba for winning the Istanbul Marathon and setting a new course record. He further congratulated Vincent Ronoh, who finished third in the same race.

PS Kiptoo praised Chepkirui’s victory, Obiri’s third-place finish and Kiplagat’s performance at the age of 46. He also recognised Benson Kipruto and Geoffrey Kamworor, who finished fourth and eighth respectively in the New York men’s race.

Chepkirui’s victory came after a thrilling contest in which Obiri briefly took the lead at the 35-kilometre mark. However, Chepkirui fought back to reclaim the advantage at 40 kilometres before pulling away over the final 2.2 kilometres to secure the title.

Obiri had entered the race as the defending champion after winning the 2025 edition in a course-record time of 2:19:51.