2026 NYC Marathon winner Sheila Chepkirui held off a late charge from reigning champion Hellen Obiri on Sunday, crossing the finish line in 2:24:36. The victory earned the runner $100,000 in NYC marathon prize money. It also marked her second win in two years, reclaiming the crown from fellow Kenyan star Obiri while Jessica McClain led the US contingent.
U.S. Runner Jessica McClain Stuns with 2026 NYC Marathon Result
Just behind her, US standout Jess McClain took second with a 2:24:42 finish. She edged Obiri by a single second to end an eight-year US podium drought in New York.
McClain, who won team silver at this year's World Road Running Championships, was in front of an 11-woman group at the 13.1-mile split (1:13:52) before surging past the fading Obiri down the stretch.
Sheila Chepkirui Becomes 2-Time NYC Marathon Winner
Though Obiri maintains the course record at 2:19:51, the former NYC marathon winner looked slowed by an injury scare earlier this summer, settling for third on Sunday at 2:24:43. Still, the twice-crowned track world champion pushed Chepkirui to the line before falling back.
Just shy of the podium, 46-year-old Edna Kiplagat placed fourth in 2:25:42, while US runners Carrie Ellwood and first-time marathoner Weini Kelati joined Jessica McClain in rounding out a strong home showing at sixth and seventh.
