Kenyans Conquer New York Marathon
Kenya’s record-breaking prowess in athletics has become a standard. The East African nation celebrated another triumph as three Kenyan runners claimed the top three spots at the New York City Marathon.
The marathon is an annual event that began in the 1970s as a local race and celebrated its 53rd edition on November 3, 2024. This year’s marathon set new world records with over 160,000 athlete applications and more than 55,000 finishers.
Marathon Geography
The marathon spans 26.2 miles through New York City’s five boroughs. It kicks off with a cannon blast on Staten Island, sending athletes across the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge into Brooklyn. After an 8-mile stretch through Brooklyn, runners enter Queens, cross the Queensboro Bridge into Manhattan, and continue through the Bronx before reaching the finish line.
Sheila Chepkirui
Sheila Chepkirui secured first place with a time of 2:24:35, followed closely by Hellen Obiri at 2:24:49, and Vivian Cheruiyot in third with 2:25:21. This victory marked a significant comeback for Chepkirui, who last medaled at the 2022 Birmingham Commonwealth Games, earning bronze in the 10,000m event.
Hellen Obiri
Hellen Obiri is well-acquainted with marathon success, having won gold at both the 2023 and 2024 Boston Marathons. Earlier this year, she also secured a bronze medal in the marathon at the Paris Summer Olympics. Additionally, she is a former New York City Marathon gold medalist.
Vivian Cheruiyot
Vivian continues to defy global norms and stereotypes in women’s sports. Finishing third at the New York Marathon at the age of 40 is a remarkable achievement, showcasing her exceptional athleticism. Cheruiyot is no stranger to the podium, having represented Kenya in numerous competitions, including the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics where she won gold in the 5000m and silver in the 10,000m. She also earned silver in the 5000m and bronze in the 10,000m at the 2012 London Olympics.
Kenya remains a powerhouse in international athletics. At the 2024 Paris Olympics, it led the African continent with a total of 11 medals, including four golds, two silvers, and five bronzes. Kenya’s continuous growth and development in athletics make it a nation to watch and follow closely.
