DOUG FEINBERG Sports Writer, Author at The Rapid City Post

Hellen Obiri celebrates winning first place in the women's elite division of the New York City Marathon, Sunday, Nov. 2, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Angelina Katsanis)

Obiri sets women’s NYC Marathon course record, Kipruto wins men’s race by a fraction of a second

November 2, 2025

Hellen Obiri of Kenya set a women’s course record to win the New York City Marathon while compatriot Benson Kipruto won the men’s race by edging Alexander Mutiso by three-hundredths of a second. Obiri, who also won the race in 2023, finished in 2 hours, 19 minutes and 51 seconds. She was running with 2022 winner Sharon Lokedi until Obiri pulled away in the final mile and won by 16 seconds to best the course record set by Margaret Okayo in 2003. Defending champion Sheila Chepkirui finished third. Kipruto finished in 2:08.40. The photo finish between Kipruto and Mutiso topped the 2005 race that was decided by a second. Albert Korir was third, giving Kenya a sweep of the top three spots in both races.

FILE - Candidate to the presidency of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) Sebastian Coe speaks during a press conference following a presentation before their fellow IOC members in Lausanne, Switzerland, on Jan 30, 2025 (Fabrice Coffrini/Pool Photo via AP)

Sebastian Coe pushes for a cross-country running race at the 2030 Winter Olympics

November 1, 2025

Sebastian Coe would love to see a cross-country running race brought back to the Olympics at the 2030 Winter Games. The World Athletics president believes IOC president Kirsty Coventry is open to exploring new ideas. Cross country was last in the Summer Olympics in 1924 but was removed because of harsh conditions. Including it in the Winter Games could attract more countries, especially African nations. Coe also mentioned the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, where track events will start in the first week. He highlighted a new event called RUN X and expressed excitement about the upcoming Ultimate Championships in Budapest.

FILE - Kenya's Eliud Kipchoge crosses the line to win the men's division of the Berlin Marathon in Berlin, Germany, Sunday, Sept. 24, 2023. (AP Photo/Markus Schreiber, FILE_

Kipchoge and Hassan to make New York Marathon debuts against strong competition

October 31, 2025

Eliud Kipchoge and Sifan Hassan are gearing up for their first New York Marathon. Kipchoge, at 40, is nearing the end of his legendary career, while 32-year-old Hassan is in her prime. She recently won in Sydney and aims for another victory. However, she’ll face tough competition from past champions like Sheila Chepkirui and Hellen Obiri. Kipchoge, who has 11 major marathon wins, sees this race as a victory lap. He hasn’t confirmed if it will be his last major race. Both athletes are excited, but acknowledge the challenging course ahead.

DOUG FEINBERG Sports Writer.