In a thrilling finish to the 2024 New York City Marathon, Abdi Nageeye of the Netherlands and Kenya's Sheila Chepkirui emerged victorious in their respective divisions, both claiming their first NYC Marathon titles.
The historic race, now in its 48th year of traversing all five boroughs, saw dramatic finishes in both the men's and women's competitions. The 26.2-mile course, beginning in Staten Island and culminating in Central Park, provided the backdrop for two remarkable performances.
Men's Division: Nageeye's Strategic Victory
Abdi Nageeye secured his victory with a masterful tactical move in the final stretch. Running neck-and-neck with 2022 champion Evans Chebet, Nageeye made his decisive move as they entered Central Park, crossing the finish line in 2 hours, 7 minutes, and 39 seconds. Chebet finished a mere 6 seconds behind the Dutch champion. Last year's winner and Paris Olympic gold medalist, Tamirat Tola, placed fourth, following Albert Korir who secured third place.
Women's Division: Chepkirui's Breakthrough Performance
In the women's race, Sheila Chepkirui of Kenya, a relative newcomer to marathon running having started in 2022, demonstrated remarkable prowess in her New York City Marathon debut. She outpaced defending champion Hellen Obiri, completing the course in 2:24:35, with Obiri following approximately 15 seconds later. Obiri's bid to become the first repeat champion since Mary Keitany's 2014-2016 three-peat fell short. Kenya dominated the women's podium, with Vivian Cheruiyot securing third place.
American Performances
The United States saw strong performances from both Conner Mantz and Sara Vaughn, who each finished sixth in their respective divisions. Vaughn notably maintained position with the leading pack until Mile 20 in the Bronx before falling back.
The event once again showcased the enduring appeal of one of the world's premier marathons, bringing together elite athletes from across the globe to compete through New York City's iconic streetscape, from the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge to the finish line in Central Park.