Ruto lauds Kenyan athletes’ performance at the New York City Marathon
President William Ruto has lauded Kenyans’ historic performance at the New York Marathon for both the men’s and women’s categories, linking the victory to the strength, discipline, and spirit of excellence that defines Kenya.
Also watch: Kenya celebrates historic New York Marathon clean sweep.
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The Head of State took to his X account on Sunday, November 2, 2025, celebrating the team led by Hellen Obiri for delivering a remarkable win with a course record.
“We celebrate the historic triumph of our athletes at the New York City Marathon, where they achieved an exceptional clean sweep in both the men’s and women’s categories. This victory reflects the strength, discipline, and spirit of excellence that define our great nation,” he added.
While lauding Hellen Obiri’s great performance, Ruto further acknowledged marathoners Sharon Lokedi and Sheila Chepkirui, whose teamwork and endurance reaffirm Kenya’s proud tradition of producing world-class champions.
“Congratulations Hellen Obiri for delivering a remarkable win with a course record ahead of Sharon Lokedi and Sheila Chepkirui. Your teamwork and endurance reaffirm Kenya’s proud tradition of producing world-class champions,” Ruto noted.
On the other hand, the men marathoners took the show at the New York Marathon after Benson Kipruto claimed victory in a photo finish, sharing the finish time with Alexander Mutiso.
“The men’s race was equally inspiring. Well done, Benson Kipruto, for claiming victory in a photo finish, sharing the finish time with Alexander Mutiso. Bravo, Albert Korir, for securing third place. Together, you showcased the Kenyan talent and the unyielding determination that define our athletes,” Ruto said.
“We salute you, champions, for flying the Kenyan flag high and bringing immense pride to our nation. Your success reminds us that with hard work, unity, and belief in our potential, Kenya will always rise to greatness,” he added.
NewYork marathon
At the Marathon which took place on Sunday, November 2,2025, Hellen Obiri set a women’s course record to win the New York City Marathon while Benson Kipruto won the men’s race by edging Alexander Mutiso in a photo finish.
Meanwhile, Obiri, who also won the race in 2023, finished in 2 hours, 19 minutes and 51 seconds. Obiri was running alongside 2022 winner Sharon Lokedi until she pulled away in the final mile, surging ahead and winning easily, besting the previous course record of 2:22.31 set by Margaret Okayo in 2003.
