Almgren, Chepkirui Win New York City Marathon
Runners following the race see a debut winner and a first U.S. podium since 2018, both decided by tight margins.
Updated on Nov. 1, 2026 in Running
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Sweden's Andreas Almgren won the 2026 New York City Marathon in 2:06:01 in his marathon debut, while Kenya's Sheila Chepkirui claimed the women's title in 2:24:36. Almgren is the first European male winner of the race in 30 years.
Why it matters
For New York City runners, the race shows how a debut marathon can succeed on a fast, competitive course, and how a strong finish can decide the podium. The result also brings attention to the city's marathon as a stage where top international talent competes at the highest level.
These findings come from the official results of a single race, so they describe one day's performances rather than long-term trends. The margins at the top of the field were very small, with the women's podium separated by under seven seconds and the top two women separated by 41 hundredths of a second.
The players
Andreas Almgren
Swedish distance runner who won the 2026 New York City Marathon in his debut and earlier took bronze in the 10,000m at the 2025 World Athletics Championships.
Sheila Chepkirui
Kenyan marathoner who won her second New York City Marathon title in three years.
Jess McClain
American marathoner whose second-place finish in the women's race produced the first U.S. podium finish in New York City since 2018.
Sifan Hassan
Dutch distance runner, a multiple Olympic and world championship medalist, who withdrew from the race due to sickness.
Marcel Hug
Swiss wheelchair racer who won the men's wheelchair division for his eighth New York City title.
The details
Almgren, who won a World 10,000m bronze medal in 2025, took the lead in the late stages of the race and held off Yemaneberhan Crippa. McClain overtook Hellen Obiri in the final strides, a reminder that marathon podiums can be decided in the last few hundred meters after more than two hours of running. The women's field also lost two major contenders, as Sifan Hassan withdrew due to sickness and Fiona O'Keeffe withdrew after left hamstring surgery, both three weeks before the race.
Timeline
Almgren won World 10,000m bronze medal in 2025.
Shalane Flanagan last reached a New York City podium in 2018.
Susannah Scaroni won the New York City Marathon in 2024 and 2025.
The 2026 New York City Marathon was held on November 1, 2026.
The Valencia Marathon in Spain is scheduled for December 6, 2026.
Health Landscape
The race sits within the modern elite marathon calendar, where New York City is one of the major events drawing top international fields. The result reflects the continued competitiveness of distance running as a sport that many recreational runners follow closely.
For recreational runners, the race is a useful reminder that a strong finish depends on pacing and reserve built over months of training. If you are planning your own marathon or long-distance training, it is worth discussing a training plan and any injury history with your doctor or a sports medicine professional.
The takeaway
Close finishes like this one show how much of a marathon's outcome is decided by the final stretch, after hours of steady effort. Runners training for long races should build recovery and pacing into their plans, and talk with a clinician before adding high-volume training if they have health concerns.
What happens next
The Valencia Marathon in Spain on December 6, 2026 is scheduled as the next major marathon, and it traditionally produces fast times.
Further reading
For more on the sport, explore our Running coverage.
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