Tamirat Tola Achieves New Record at NYC Marathon; Hellen Obiri Claims Women’s Victory

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Ethiopian runner Tamirat Tola established a new record at the New York City Marathon, clinching the men’s title, while Kenyan Hellen Obiri conquered the women’s race with a decisive surge in the last 400 meters.

On Sunday, Tola shattered the previous course record with a time of 2 hours, 4 minutes, and 58 seconds, surpassing Geoffrey Mutai’s 2011 record by eight seconds. Tola advanced ahead of fellow Ethiopian Jemal Yimer near the 20-mile mark as they approached the Bronx. When Tola re-entered Manhattan, he had already created a significant 19-second gap, his sights set on Mutai’s record.

Last year’s NYC Marathon victor, Kenya’s Albert Korir, trailed Tola by almost two minutes, securing the second place.

In contrast, the outcome of the women’s competition was uncertain until the concluding miles. Obiri, alongside Ethiopian Letesenbet Gidey and reigning champion Sharon Lokedi, were neck and neck, constantly exchanging the lead. Obiri initiated a decisive move as the group neared the final stretch through Central Park, finishing with a time of 2:27.23. Gidey arrived second, only six seconds later.

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Lokedi concluded the race a mere 10 seconds after Obiri, who had previously triumphed at the Boston Marathon in April.

Expectations were high for an outstanding women’s field to challenge Margaret Okayo’s 2003 course record of 2:22:31. The weather conditions seemed ideal for record attempts, with a considerable drop from last year’s 70-degree temperatures to a more favorable 50s, and with 50,000 participants in the fray.

However, the race unfolded strategically with 11 contenders, including Americans Kellyn Taylor and Molly Huddle, leading the pack for the majority of the race before receding to eighth and ninth places.

Upon re-entering Manhattan for the final leg, Obiri, Gidey, and Lokedi increased their pace, leaving behind Kenya’s Brigid Kosgei, who finished in fourth place.

The winners of the men’s and women’s races crossed the finish line within minutes of each other. Earlier, Marcel Hug claimed the men’s wheelchair race, narrowly missing his course record with a time of 1:25.29. This marked his sixth victory in New York, the most in the event’s history for the wheelchair division.

“It’s hard to put it into words,” Hug expressed, acknowledging the significance of his achievement.

Catherine Debrunner of Switzerland made a remarkable debut in New York by setting a new record in the women’s wheelchair race, completing it in 1:39.32, and outperforming the previous best by over three minutes.

Both Debrunner and Tola were awarded a $50,000 bonus for their record-breaking performances.

OLYMPIC QUALIFICATIONS

Daniel Romanchuk and Aaron Pike secured their spots for the 2024 Paris Olympics as the top American finishers in the men’s wheelchair division, with Susannah Scaroni and McFadden achieving the same on the women’s side.

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More about NYC Marathon 2023

• NYC Marathon Results
• Ethiopian Runners Shine at NYC Marathon
• Hellen Obiri’s Victory at NYC Marathon
• NYC Marathon Weather Conditions
• Wheelchair Division NYC Marathon
• 2024 Paris Olympics Qualifiers