Almgren Wins Maiden Marathon as First European-Born Champion in 30 Years; Chepkirui Takes Second Women's Title

A first marathon, and straight away the title at the New York City Marathon—one of the most prestigious races in the world. What Sweden's Andreas Almgren did on Sunday is not only the biggest moment of his career; it also shows that when speed and endurance are combined in the right measure, even the toughest challenge can be conquered on the very first attempt. The 31-year-old Almgren won in 2 hours 6 minutes 1 second, becoming the first European-born runner in 30 years to win the New York City Marathon. His victory once again challenged the race's traditional dominance. The win becomes even more special when one looks at Almgren's past few months. In August he won the 10,000 metres gold at the European Championships, and in September he set a European record in the half marathon. That combination of track speed and road endurance places him in a different category altogether. Yet the marathon is a different sport. The 42.195-kilometre race is not a track sprint but a long test of body and mind. And Almgren passed that test in style on his very first marathon. How hard it is to win a marathon on debut can be gauged from the fact that even experienced runners often fail to balance pace and energy in the early kilometres. Over 42 kilometres the body's glycogen stores gradually empty and fatigue builds in the muscles. A runner must manage pace, hydration and nutrition carefully. Handling all of that in a first marathon while also winning the title is a double challenge. Almgren accepted it and held his rhythm to the end. The race began on Staten Island, and in the early kilometres a large group ran together. Marathoners know that those who show early speed often fade, so experienced runners hold back at the start. Almgren followed the same strategy. He was not at the front early on but stayed with the lead group, conserving energy. As the race progressed the group shrank, and in the final kilometres the contest for the title narrowed to a handful of runners. His rivals included Italy's Yemaneberhan Crippa and Lesotho's Kamohelo Mofolo, both accomplished international runners. Crippa took second in 2:06:14, while Mofolo finished third in 2:06:26. The total gap among the top three was therefore just 25 seconds—extremely small for a marathon, and clear evidence that the race was decided only in the closing kilometres. This was no runaway victory; it was a tactical battle in which measured early pace and late acceleration decided the outcome. To grasp the historical significance of Almgren's win, one must look back to 2026, when Italy's Giacomo Leone won the men's title in New York. In the three decades since, the race was dominated by African and North American runners. Many talented Europeans came and went, but none could take the title. Almgren has ended that long wait. Already established in cross-country and on the track, he proved his class on the roads as well. Struggling to contain his emotions, Almgren admitted the day was special. "I've got the legs today," he said, and after winning the title he added that he was about to start crying. Those simple words capture the pressure, fatigue and emotion that follow a maiden marathon victory. For a runner who had already drawn attention with his form in August and September, this win was the reward for a year of hard work. It was indeed a remarkable year for Almgren—10,000m gold at the European Championships in August, a European half-marathon record in September, and now the New York City Marathon title. Few runners achieve such a set. What stands out is that New York was his first marathon. History offers few examples of a runner winning such a prestigious race on debut. It also shows that Almgren understood race strategy well and executed it. If the men's race belonged to Almgren, the real drama in the women's race came from Sheila Chepkirui and Hellen Obiri. The 35-year-old Kenyan Chepkirui won in 2 hours 24 minutes 36 seconds for her second New York City Marathon success. It was not as easy as the result suggests. She faced Jessica McClain of the United States and Obiri, who pushed her to the very end. McClain finished second, just 6 seconds behind Chepkirui in 2:24:42. Third was Kenya's Hellen Obiri, just 1 second behind McClain in 2:24:43. The total gap among the top three was therefore only 7 seconds—proof that the women's race was far tighter than the men's, where the top three were separated by 25 seconds. The women's contest remained thrilling to the final few hundred metres, and spectators could not tell until the end who would take the title. Chepkirui acknowledged that Obiri is a formidable rival and that the battle stretched into the final kilometres. She said her strategy was to save energy for the closing stages, and it paid off. Interestingly, both Obiri and Chepkirui are Kenyan, and their well-known rivalry was on display again. Chepkirui praised Obiri, saying it is always difficult to beat a runner of her calibre. Another notable point is that Chepkirui claimed her second New York City Marathon success—though the year of her previous win is not stated directly. Nor is there a detailed account of Obiri's past achievements, even though she is regarded as one of the most successful women's marathoners of recent years. The women's story was thus largely confined to the result and the champion's comments, even though the race itself was extremely close and exciting. The rivalry between Obiri and Chepkirui has been one of the biggest storylines in women's marathoning in recent years, and this race again proved how small the margin between them is. This year's event was itself a special occasion. The New York City Marathon is known worldwide for its unique five-borough route—starting on Staten Island and passing through Brooklyn, Queens and the Bronx before finishing in Manhattan. According to the organisers, the event has reached an important milestone in its history. Millions come from around the world to watch and take part, reflecting its global popularity. The significance of the New York City Marathon goes beyond the title. The race runs through five distinct areas, each with its own atmosphere. It starts on Staten Island, from where runners cross a bridge into Brooklyn, whose crowds are famous for their enthusiasm. Through Queens and the Bronx, runners experience the city's diversity, and finally the race ends in Manhattan's Central Park. The route is a unique experience for runners and spectators alike. Millions line the streets to cheer the runners, and many athletes say the crowd's energy drives them on despite fatigue. The tactical restraint in the men's race was a treat for marathon fans. A 25-second gap among the top three shows that no one wanted to take a big risk and all were preparing for a late surge. In the women's race, a 7-second gap shows the battle went to the final breath. Both races were memorable in their own way—one made history, the other delivered drama at its peak. It is also worth noting that the women's race was closer in sporting terms than the men's, even though it received less attention. Overall, this year's New York City Marathon made one thing clear: the outcome of a race is decided not only by speed but by strategy, patience and mental strength. Almgren's debut win proves that with the right preparation and self-belief, even the biggest goal can be achieved. Chepkirui's narrow victory shows that staying at the top requires a fight at every step. Both champions made this historic race memorable in their own ways, and their achievements will inspire new runners in the years to come.