With the Chicago Marathon now concluded, the world’s attention turns once again to New York.
On 2 November 2025, the grand finale of the World Marathon Majors — the TCS New York City Marathon — will get underway. More than 55,000 runners are expected to take part, with last year’s finisher record of 55,642 likely to be surpassed.
Men’s Race: Clash of Titans, Rivalry Renewed
This year’s men’s line-up is nothing short of historic — six Major champions with a combined 20 titles will take to the streets of New York.
Although Evans Chebet has withdrawn, all eyes will be on the long-awaited reunion of Eliud Kipchoge and Kenenisa Bekele.
The two all-time greats have faced each other five times before, with Kipchoge holding a 4–1 lead. This could well be their “last dance”, a duel whose meaning now transcends victory itself.
Benson Kipruto enters as the favourite. A win in New York would make him the first athlete ever to sweep Boston, Chicago and New York — the so-called “American Triple Crown”.
Meanwhile, Albert Korir, a New York veteran with five appearances and four podium finishes, could once again play the spoiler.
Rising talents like Mutiso, Greta, and Simbu add even more intrigue to an already star-studded line-up.
Women’s Race: Superstars Collide, Rivalries Continue
The women’s field is equally dazzling.
Olympic champion Sifan Hassan leads the charge against the last three New York champions — Sharon Lokedi, Hellen Obiri, and Peres Jepchirchir.
Despite a mixed season, Hassan’s victory in Sydney proved she’s back in form, and her four wins from six marathons remain formidable.
Obiri and Lokedi will renew their rivalry, with Lokedi riding high after her Boston triumph and a string of personal bests.
Reigning champion Jepchirchir has already claimed wins in Nagoya and The Great North Run this year, but faces heavy pressure to defend her crown.
Among the American contenders, Emily Sisson, Sara Hall, and Molly Seidel will look to make their mark on home soil.
Irish Spotlight: Fionnuala McCormack — Endurance and Honour
Ireland’s own Fionnuala McCormack will once again take on the New York course.
A four-time Olympian and one of Ireland’s most decorated long-distance runners, McCormack boasts a personal best of 2:23:46.
As a four-time European Cross Country champion and a regular top-10 finisher at World Championships, she’s been hailed as “Ireland’s most enduring engine.”
While she may not be among the title favourites, her presence symbolises Ireland’s quiet perseverance and long-standing tradition on the world stage.
The Power of Perseverance
Beyond Kipchoge and Bekele, two Kenyan veterans continue to inspire.
Vivian Cheruiyot, 41, last year’s bronze medallist, remains impressively competitive,
while Edna Kiplagat, now 46, first won New York in 2010 and reclaimed the title in 2021 — becoming the oldest champion in race history. Their resilience has become the very essence of marathon legend.
Race Information
Women’s Start: 12:35 PM (Irish Time)
Men’s Start: 1:05 PM (Irish Time)
(New York Time: 8:35 AM & 9:05 AM)
Whether it’s a legendary farewell or the rise of a new generation, the 2025 New York City Marathon promises to be a spectacular passing of the torch.
And for Ireland’s steadfast Fionnuala McCormack, each stride will once again embody the timeless spirit of running.
