# Almgren Wins New York City Marathon Debut As Chepkirui Reclaims Women’s Title

Andreas Almgren won the men’s race in 2:06:01 in his first marathon, while Sheila Chepkirui took the women’s crown in 2:24:36.

By Will Langan | 24X7 News
Published: 2026-11-01T17:03:29.369Z
Updated: 2026-11-01T17:03:29.369Z
Section: Sports
Format: News
Canonical: https://24x7news.us/articles/almgren-wins-new-york-city-marathon-debut-chepkirui-womens-title

Sweden’s Andreas Almgren won the men’s New York City Marathon in his debut at the distance Sunday, while Kenya’s Sheila Chepkirui reclaimed the women’s title.

Almgren finished the five-borough course in 2 hours, 6 minutes, 1 second. He broke away late and crossed 13 seconds ahead of Italy’s Yemaneberhan Crippa. Kamohelo Mofolo of Lesotho placed third in 2:06:26.

The victory made Almgren’s first marathon one of the fastest in the event’s history. He entered the race as the reigning half-marathon world champion and was part of a crowded lead group before making his decisive move in the final miles.

Chepkirui won the women’s race in 2:24:36. The 2024 champion separated from defending winner Hellen Obiri late and held off a fast-closing Jessica McClain of the United States.

McClain finished second in 2:24:42, six seconds behind Chepkirui. Obiri took third one second later. McClain became the first American woman to place in the event’s top three since 2018.

In the wheelchair divisions, Switzerland’s Marcel Hug earned his eighth men’s title after passing American Daniel Romanchuk near the finish. Catherine Debrunner of Switzerland won the women’s wheelchair race in 1:40:02.

New York Road Runners said the 2026 race was held Sunday across New York City, with live results treated as unofficial until the organization posts its final certified results.

Sources:
- Associated Press, “Andreas Almgren Wins Men’s Race in NYC in Marathon Debut, Sheila Chepkirui Wins Women’s Race,” Nov. 1, 2026
- Reuters, “Kenyan Chepkirui Takes Back NYC Marathon Title, Almgren Wins in Debut,” Nov. 1, 2026
- New York Road Runners, 2026 TCS New York City Marathon event page

## Sources
- Associated Press: https://apnews.com/article/d0cb13c06ec5c5e72c40ae62b1e96218
- Reuters: https://www.reuters.com/sports/kenyan-chepkirui-takes-back-nyc-marathon-title-2026-11-01/
- New York Road Runners: https://prod.nyrr.org/races-and-events/2026/2026-tcs-new-york-city-marathon