Peter Lynch will look to build on the finest season of his career when he lines up for the New York City Marathon tomorrow.
The Kilkenny City Harriers athlete heads into the race having reclaimed the Irish marathon record with a superb ninth place finish in London last April. That performance followed a breakthrough half marathon in New York, giving him good reason to return to the city with confidence.
Reclaiming The Irish Record
Lynch’s 2:06:08 in London took one minute and 46 seconds off the national record set by Fearghal Curtin in October 2025. It also improved his own previous best of 2:09:36 by three minutes and 28 seconds, a substantial step forward at this level.
He had first claimed the Irish record in Düsseldorf in April 2025, before Curtin lowered it to 2:07:54 in South Korea later that year.
In London, Lynch finished as the leading European. Just as encouraging as the time was how he achieved it. After reaching halfway in 1:03:14, he ran the second half in 1:02:54, moving through the field as the race wore on.
For a runner contesting only his fourth marathon, it was an impressive display of judgement and strength.
This Year's New York Half Already Under His Belt
London was not Lynch’s first major performance of 2026.
In March, he finished fifth at the New York City Half Marathon in 59:52, becoming the first Irishman to run the distance in under an hour.
There is an important distinction here: the New York course is ineligible for records, so the performance could not be ratified as an Irish record. Even so, it was a clear indication of his progress and a strong foundation for what followed in London.
Lynch trains with the PUMA Elite Running Team in North Carolina under Alistair Cragg. His development has gathered considerable momentum, with last year’s 24th place at the World Championships in Tokyo adding valuable experience between his two Irish marathon records.
A Different Challenge Tomorrow
New York presents a different examination from London. Its hills and bridges, combined with the absence of pacemakers, put greater emphasis on positioning, patience and responding to the runners around you.
Speaking to The Irish Times ahead of the race, Lynch made his approach clear: “I’m just going in with an open mind, and just focusing on beating as many people as possible.”
His preparation has included more time training at altitude in Park City, Utah, and several weeks of around 120 miles. Another finish inside the top ten would represent a strong result, although Lynch has deliberately avoided setting a rigid finishing target.
The encouraging detail from London was his ability to race strongly over the closing kilometres. Having something left when the field begins to stretch tomorrow could prove more valuable than any particular halfway split.
A World Class Elite Field
Defending champion Benson Kipruto heads the men’s field, with former New York winners Geoffrey Kamworor and Abdi Nageeye also returning.
Deresa Geleta and CyBrian Kotut add further quality, while American Conner Mantz will have considerable home support. Sweden’s Andreas Almgren makes his marathon debut, adding another intriguing element to the contest.
In the women’s race, defending champion Hellen Obiri returns alongside 2024 winner Sheila Chepkirui.
