JUST IN: Andreas Almgren Stuns at New York City Marathon as Sheila Chepkirui Wins Women’s Race for Second Time
Sweden’s Andreas Almgren makes history by winning the men’s New York City Marathon on his debut, while Kenya’s Sheila Chepkirui reclaims the women’s championship after an impressive performance in the streets of New York.
Andreas Almgren Makes History in New York Marathon Debut
Sweden’s Andreas Almgren has delivered an outstanding performance to win the men’s division of the 2026 New York City Marathon in his first-ever competitive marathon appearance.
The 31-year-old distance runner crossed the finish line in 2 hours, 6 minutes and 1 second on Sunday, November 1, defeating a highly competitive international field at one of the world’s most recognised long-distance running events.
Almgren’s victory attracted significant attention because he had never competed in a full 26.2-mile marathon before Sunday’s race.
Despite entering the competition without previous marathon experience, the Swedish athlete demonstrated remarkable endurance, tactical awareness and finishing speed to secure the championship.
His victory also made him the first Swedish athlete to win any division of the New York City Marathon.
Almgren remained among the leading competitors throughout much of the race before making his decisive move during the final mile.
Italy’s Yemaneberhan Crippa finished second in 2:06:14, just 13 seconds behind the Swedish winner.
Lesotho’s Kamohelo Mofolo secured third place with a time of 2:06:26, narrowly finishing ahead of Kenya’s defending champion, Benson Kipruto, who recorded 2:06:27.
The men’s competition produced an exciting finish, with several athletes fighting for the remaining podium positions.
Almgren’s Remarkable Journey to Victory
Before his New York victory, Almgren had already established himself as one of Europe’s leading distance runners.
He entered the marathon following impressive performances in shorter long-distance events, including the 5,000 metres, 10,000 metres and half marathon.
His achievements included winning the 2026 World Athletics Half Marathon Championship and the European 10,000-metre title.
However, competing in a full marathon presented an entirely different challenge.
The 26.2-mile distance requires athletes to maintain a demanding pace over a considerably longer period while managing their energy, hydration and physical endurance.
Almgren admitted after the race that he initially struggled to understand how his body would respond to the distance because it was his first marathon.
Nevertheless, he remained competitive and eventually recognised an opportunity to attack during the closing stages.
His victory was particularly impressive because he defeated several experienced marathon specialists.
According to World Athletics, his finishing time was the third-fastest in the history of the New York City Marathon course.
Sheila Chepkirui Wins Women’s Race for the Second Time
Kenya’s Sheila Chepkirui also delivered an impressive performance, winning the women’s elite competition for the second time in her career.
The Kenyan athlete completed the race in 2 hours, 24 minutes and 36 seconds, reclaiming the championship she previously won in 2024.
Chepkirui faced strong competition from defending champion Hellen Obiri and American runner Jessica McClain.
The women’s race developed into a closely contested battle, with several athletes remaining within striking distance of the leading positions during the later stages.
Obiri attempted to defend her title, but Chepkirui produced a decisive finishing effort during the final 150 metres.
The Kenyan runner successfully pulled away to secure victory.
American athlete Jessica McClain also produced a remarkable performance, overtaking Obiri in the closing moments to finish second in 2:24:42.
Obiri eventually crossed the finish line in third place with a time of 2:24:43.
The difference between second and third place was just one second.
For Chepkirui, the victory represents another major achievement in her international athletics career and confirms her ability to compete successfully against the world’s leading marathon runners.
Jessica McClain Makes History for American Women
One of the biggest talking points from the women’s competition was the performance of American runner Jessica McClain.
McClain finished second behind Chepkirui, becoming the first American woman to reach the podium in the open division of the New York City Marathon since Shalane Flanagan finished third in 2018.
Her performance was particularly impressive considering the strength of the international field.
McClain recorded 2:24:42, finishing only six seconds behind the Kenyan champion.
She also managed to overtake defending champion Hellen Obiri during the final moments of the competition.
The result represents an important milestone for American women’s distance running.
Defending Champion Hellen Obiri Finishes Third
Kenya’s Hellen Obiri entered the competition as the defending women’s champion after winning the 2025 edition in record-breaking fashion.
She was hoping to secure another victory in New York but eventually finished third behind Chepkirui and McClain.
Obiri remained competitive throughout the race and challenged Chepkirui during the closing stages.
However, Chepkirui proved stronger in the final sprint.
Despite missing out on the championship, Obiri’s third-place finish in 2:24:43 demonstrated her continued competitiveness at the highest level of marathon running.
Kenyan athletes also dominated several positions in the women’s top five, with Edna Kiplagat finishing fourth and Mercy Chelangat taking fifth.
Other Outstanding Performances
The men’s competition also featured strong performances from athletes representing different countries.
Kenya’s Benson Kipruto, who entered the event as the defending men’s champion, finished fourth in 2:06:27.
Australia’s Haftu Strintzos secured fifth place in 2:06:34.
American runner Zouhair Talbi finished sixth in 2:06:43, setting a new record for the fastest time by an American man at the New York City Marathon.
His performance added another important highlight to an event that featured several outstanding international athletes.
In the wheelchair competitions, Switzerland also celebrated major victories.
Marcel Hug won the men’s wheelchair race in 1:28:14, defeating American Daniel Romanchuk by just one second.
Hug’s victory marked his eighth New York City Marathon wheelchair championship, extending his record at the event.
Switzerland’s Catherine Debrunner won the women’s wheelchair race in 1:40:02.
She finished comfortably ahead of American competitors Tatyana McFadden and Susannah Scaroni.
New York City Marathon Celebrates 50 Years of Five-Borough Racing
The 2026 edition of the New York City Marathon was particularly significant because it marked the 50th anniversary of the race’s famous five-borough route.
The event attracted approximately 60,000 runners from more than 140 countries, making it one of the largest marathon gatherings in the world.
Participants travelled through Staten Island, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx and Manhattan before reaching the traditional finish line in Central Park.
The course is famous for its challenging bridges, demanding road sections and enthusiastic spectators who line the streets to encourage competitors.
The marathon has developed into a major international sporting attraction, bringing together professional athletes, amateur runners, charity participants and people competing for personal achievements.
The 2026 anniversary edition provided another opportunity to celebrate the history and international appeal of long-distance running.
Final Results: 2026 New York City Marathon
Men’s Elite Division
- Andreas Almgren (Sweden) – 2:06:01
- Yemaneberhan Crippa (Italy) – 2:06:14
- Kamohelo Mofolo (Lesotho) – 2:06:26
- Benson Kipruto (Kenya) – 2:06:27
- Haftu Strintzos (Australia) – 2:06:34
- Zouhair Talbi (USA) – 2:06:43
Women’s Elite Division
- Sheila Chepkirui (Kenya) – 2:24:36
- Jessica McClain (USA) – 2:24:42
- Hellen Obiri (Kenya) – 2:24:43
- Edna Kiplagat (Kenya) – 2:25:42
- Mercy Chelangat (Kenya) – 2:25:46
Wheelchair Champions
- Men’s: Marcel Hug (Switzerland) – 1:28:14
- Women’s: Catherine Debrunner (Switzerland) – 1:40:02
Conclusion
The 2026 New York City Marathon delivered memorable performances, with Andreas Almgren making an extraordinary marathon debut to secure the men’s championship.
Sheila Chepkirui also demonstrated her international quality by reclaiming the women’s title, recording her second victory in the competition.
Jessica McClain’s historic second-place finish and Marcel Hug’s eighth wheelchair championship provided additional highlights.
As the event celebrated 50 years of racing through New York’s five boroughs, the performances of Almgren and Chepkirui ensured that the 2026 edition would remain memorable for athletics fans around the world.
Afriview Media will continue bringing readers updates on major sporting events and outstanding performances from athletes across the world.
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