Obiri, Kipruto to defend New York Marathon titles in 2026

Benson Kipruto and Hellen Obiri will return to defend their New York Marathon titles on November 1, 2026. Kipruto won last year in 2:08:09, while Obiri set a course record of 2:19:51 on her way to a second victory.

Kipruto’s title defence will include a strong Kenyan challenge from Geoffrey Kamworor, a two-time winner in New York. The men’s field also features Dutchman Abdi Nageeye, who claimed the race in 2024.

The 35-year-old Kipruto made an immediate impact in New York during his first World Marathon Majors appearance. His victory added to a collection of major marathon wins that includes Boston in 2021, Chicago in 2022 and Tokyo in 2024. He is also an Olympic marathon bronze medallist.

Obiri faces a similarly demanding women’s field. Sheila Chepkirui, the 2024 champion, will compete alongside Dutch athlete Sifan Hassan, Edna Kiplangat and Viola Cheptoo. Each of those runners has recorded a marathon time below 2:20 in her career.

Obiri, 36, has built a strong record since moving to the United States nearly four years ago and switching from track competition to road racing. Her New York success in 2025 followed her first victory there in 2023 and included the removal of a course record that had stood for 22 years.

Her New York achievements also extend to the half marathon. In 2023, she set the event’s course record at 1:07:21, adding to her connection with the city as she prepares for another title defence.