The streets of New York witnessed one of the most dramatic finishes in recent marathon history as Benson Kipruto of Kenya edged compatriot Alexander Mutiso by fractions of a second to win the 2025 TCS New York City Marathon. Both men were clocked at 2:08:09, with Kipruto leaning ahead in the final meters of Central Park to claim the title.
The victory marked a triumphant return to the top for Kipruto, who has previously won the Boston and Chicago Marathons. On a day when tactics mattered as much as fitness, he delivered a perfectly timed surge to secure the crown.
Alexander Mutiso finished a close second in 2:08:09, just 0.16 seconds behind, while 2021 New York champion Albert Korir completed the Kenyan sweep in third with a time of 2:08:57. Great Britain’s Patrick Dever ran a superb debut marathon to finish fourth in 2:08:58, and Swiss athlete Matthias Kyburz crossed the line fifth in 2:09:55.
All eyes were on Eliud Kipchoge, the two-time Olympic champion and marathon world record holder, making his long-awaited debut in New York. The legendary Kenyan started conservatively and remained in the lead pack through halfway, but the relentless climbs and bridges of the course eventually took their toll. Kipchoge finished 17th in 2:14:36, smiling as he crossed the line, suggesting this could be his final appearance at a World Marathon Major.
Ethiopian great Kenenisa Bekele also started among the favorites but faded after the 30-kilometer mark and did not finish the race. His withdrawal, along with Kipchoge’s struggles, highlighted the unique difficulty of New York’s course—one that tests strategy and strength more than sheer speed.
Despite the absence of a record-breaking time, the 2025 edition of the TCS New York City Marathon delivered unforgettable drama. The Kenyan trio’s podium sweep reaffirmed the country’s dominance in distance running, while thousands of runners from across the globe once again turned the streets of the five boroughs into a festival of endurance and inspiration.
Top 10 Men’s Results – 2025 TCS New York City Marathon:
1. Benson Kipruto (Kenya) – 2:08:09
2. Alexander Mutiso (Kenya) – 2:08:09
3. Albert Korir (Kenya) – 2:08:57
4. Patrick Dever (Great Britain) – 2:08:58
5. Matthias Kyburz (Switzerland) – 2:09:55
6. Joel Reichow (United States) – 2:09:56
7. Charles Hicks (United States) – 2:09:59
8. Sondre Moen (Norway) – 2:10:15
9. Tsegay Weldlibanos (Eritrea) – 2:10:36
10. Joe Klecker (United States) – 2:10:37
Eliud Kipchoge finished 17th in 2:14:36.
Kenenisa Bekele did not finish (DNF).