Hellen Obiri once again proved her dominance in world marathon running with a record-shattering performance at the 2025 TCS New York City Marathon. The two-time Boston Marathon champion and Olympic bronze medallist stormed to victory in a time of 2:19:51, smashing the long-standing women’s course record set 22 years ago by fellow Kenyan Margaret Okayo, who clocked 2:22:31 in 2003.
This remarkable achievement not only earned Obiri her second New York City Marathon crown, following her 2023 triumph, but also brought her massive financial rewards. For her outstanding victory, Obiri pocketed a winner’s prize of $100,000 (approximately KSh 12.9 million). Her new course record came with an additional $50,000 (about KSh 6.4 million) bonus, bringing her total earnings from the race to a staggering $150,000, or roughly KSh 19.4 million.
The 2025 women’s race was one of the most competitive in recent memory, featuring a powerful Kenyan lineup that once again showcased the nation’s dominance in long-distance running. Obiri ran alongside compatriots Sharon Lokedi, the 2022 NYC champion, and Sheila Chepkirui, the 2024 winner, through most of the race. The trio pushed each other at a blistering pace, all finishing under the previous course record.
In the final miles through Central Park, Obiri unleashed a decisive surge that left her rivals behind and sealed her record-breaking victory. Lokedi finished second in 2:20:07, while Chepkirui took third place with a time of 2:20:24. Their collective brilliance marked a clean podium sweep for Kenya, reaffirming the country’s global supremacy in marathon running.
By toppling a record that had stood for more than two decades, Hellen Obiri etched her name into New York City Marathon history. Her performance not only highlighted her physical strength and tactical brilliance but also reflected her mental toughness and determination to keep rewriting records.
With her latest triumph, Obiri has strengthened her claim as one of the greatest distance runners of her generation, continuing Kenya’s proud legacy on the world stage. Her record-breaking run and multimillion payday will undoubtedly inspire the next wave of athletes aiming to follow in her footsteps.
