The TCS New York City Marathon on 1 November will mark two anniversaries at once: 50 years since the race moved to its five-borough course and 50 years of a professional elite field. Organisers have assembled a start list to match, headed by defending women's champion Hellen Obiri and the Dutch national record holder Sifan Hassan, alongside Benson Kipruto, who arrives as the reigning men's winner.
Obiri set a course record of 2:19:51 on her way to victory last year, and a third win would place her in rarefied company among the race's multiple champions. Her personal best stands at 2:15:53. Hassan, whose 2:13:44 is the Dutch record, finished sixth in New York last year after fading late on, and has said she intends to “be the boss” this time. Sheila Chepkirui (2:17:29), Gotytom Gebreslase (2:18:11) and Viola Cheptoo (2:19:05) are among the other sub-2:20 runners in the field.
The American interest centres on Jessica McClain, who leads the home contingent with a 2:20:49 personal best from Boston earlier this year, and on Weini Kelati and Cailie Hughes, who are both listed to make their marathon debuts. Sharon Lokedi, who might have been expected in New York, is racing Chicago instead.
In the men's race, Kipruto (2:02:16) is attempting to become the first man to successfully defend the title since 1998. He faces Deresa Geleta (2:02:38), CyBrian Kotut (2:03:22), Abdi Nageeye, the Dutch record holder at 2:04:20, and Geoffrey Kamworor (2:04:23). Britain's Patrick Dever, third last year after Korir was disqualified for doping, returns with a best of 2:06:18.
The most closely watched storyline on the American side is Conner Mantz. The US record holder at 2:04:43 is returning from injury and has spoken of prioritising health over a stated time goal, while his rivalry with Zouhair Talbi (2:03:45), whom he leads 2–1 in head-to-head meetings, adds an edge. Andreas Almgren, the 2025 world bronze medallist over 10,000m, makes his marathon debut. Bill Rodgers is also due back for the anniversary, and Miki Gorman, the 1976 and 1977 champion, will be honoured through her daughter.