Swedish distance runner Andreas Almgren, who has enjoyed a remarkable breakthrough year, capped his outstanding season in New York. The 31-year-old added a New York City Marathon victory to an already impressive list of achievements in 2026, which included European gold in the 10,000 metres, the world half-marathon title and two continental records.
In the men’s race, which featured more than 60,000 participants, the decisive moves came after the halfway point. After the first half was covered in 64:01, the race began to take shape, with 15 athletes entering the final seven kilometres together. From that point on, Andreas Almgren joined defending champion Benson Kipruto, Yemane Crippa and young Lesotho runner Kamohelo Mofolo at the front as the race intensified.
However, Almgren made his decisive move in the final kilometre. Covering the final 2.195 kilometres in just six minutes, he crossed the finish line in 2:06:01, claiming a historic victory in his first major marathon appearance.
Almgren became the first Swedish man ever to win the New York City Marathon. He also came just four seconds short of breaking the Swedish national record.
Yemaneberhan Crippa, winner of this year’s Paris Marathon, finished second in 2:06:14. Lesotho’s Kamohelo Mofolo, celebrating his 21st birthday, overtook Benson Kipruto in the closing metres to secure third place.
In the women’s race, two of the three protagonists from last year’s unforgettable, record-breaking contest returned to the spotlight in 2026. The showdown between Kenyan stars Sheila Chepkirui and Hellen Obiri, winners of the previous two editions, once again delivered an exciting battle, with Chepkirui emerging victorious.
Chepkirui claimed her second New York City Marathon title, crossing the finish line in 2:24:36. Her victory also extended Kenya’s women’s race-winning streak to eight consecutive years.
Obiri, who Chepkirui overtook in the final stretch, was subsequently passed by American Jess McClain, who produced a late surge to finish second, just five seconds ahead of the defending champion.
McClain’s runner-up finish made her the first American woman in eight years to reach the New York City Marathon podium.
