November 06, (THEWILL) – The 2023 New York City Marathon saw both the men’s and women’s course records shattered on Sunday, as Africans dominated the field. Ethiopian, Tamirat Tola, won the men’s race in a blistering 2 hours, 4 minutes and 58 seconds, breaking the previous course record by over a minute. In the women’s race, Hellen Obiri of Kenya triumphed in 2:27:23.
Tola left no doubt the win was his, building nearly a two minute lead by the 40km mark. He relied on the cheering New York crowds for motivation as he ran solo for several kilometres. “The people of New York are amazing,” said Tola, hoisting his arms in celebration of his first World Marathon Major title. Albert Korir of Kenya took second in 2:06:57, with Ethiopia’s Shura Kitata third in 2:07:11.
In the women’s field, Obiri produced an extraordinary final kick to outlast compatriot Letesenbet Gidey by around six seconds. 2021 winner Sharon Lokedi of Kenya took third in 2:27:33. “I made it finally,” said Obiri, after a disappointing sixth place on her NYC debut last year.
The races capped a groundbreaking year for marathoning, in which the men’s and women’s world records were both smashed. Kenyan Kelvin Kiptum and Ethiopian Tigst Assefa set astonishing new marks in Chicago and Berlin respectively.
Both the newly crowned champions and runners-up were elated to have their names etched into the illustrious history of the New York City Marathon after such a fiercely competitive race.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
