NEW YORK, United States — Kenya’s Hellen Obiri produced a commanding performance to win the United Airlines NYC Half Marathon on Sunday, setting a new course record of 1:06:33.
The two-time Boston Marathon champion shattered the previous record of 1:07:04 set in 2025 by fellow Kenyan Sharon Lokedi, lowering the mark by 31 seconds in a dominant run through the streets of New York.
Obiri stayed within the lead pack during the early stages of the race, running alongside Agnes Ngetich and Lokedi. At the 10-kilometre mark, she remained in second position while conserving energy for the decisive stages of the race.
The Kenyan star made her decisive move approaching the 15-kilometre mark, surging ahead to open a 30-second gap over Ngetich. Her advantage continued to grow as the race progressed, stretching to 39 seconds by the 20-kilometre point before she crossed the finish line unchallenged.
Lokedi finished second in 1:07:10, while Britain’s Megan Keith secured third place in 1:07:13.
Diane Van Es of the Netherlands finished fourth in 1:08:21, narrowly ahead of Ethiopia’s Fentaye Belayneh, who placed fifth in 1:08:22.
American runner Emily Sisson was the top finisher from the United States, placing sixth in 1:09:06.
Top 10 Women – 2026 NYC Half Marathon
- Hellen Obiri (Kenya) – 1:06:33
- Sharon Lokedi (Kenya) – 1:07:10
- Megan Keith (Great Britain) – 1:07:13
- Diane Van Es (Netherlands) – 1:08:21
- Fentaye Belayneh (Ethiopia) – 1:08:22
- Emily Sisson (USA) – 1:09:06
- Amanda Vestri (USA) – 1:09:22
- Annie Frisbie (USA) – 1:09:25
- Susanna Sullivan (USA) – 1:09:38
- Emily Venters (USA) – 1:09:38
In the men’s race, South Africa’s Adriaan Wildschutt delivered a strong finish to claim victory in 59:30.
Wildschutt stayed with the lead pack during the opening 10 kilometres before making his move around the 15-kilometre mark. He gradually increased his advantage and held an 11-second lead by the 20-kilometre mark, maintaining the gap through the finish.
Zouhair Talbi of the United States finished second in 59:41, narrowly ahead of India’s Gulveer Singh, who clocked 59:42 for third place.
American runner Alex Maier finished fourth in 59:51, while Ireland’s Peter Lynch completed the top five in 59:52.
Top 10 Men – 2026 NYC Half Marathon
- Adriaan Wildschutt (South Africa) – 59:30
- Zouhair Talbi (USA) – 59:41
- Gulveer Singh (India) – 59:42
- Alex Maier (USA) – 59:51
- Peter Lynch (Ireland) – 59:52
- Patrick Dever (Great Britain) – 59:56
- Rory Linkletter (Canada) – 1:00:00
- Patrick Kiprop (Kenya) – 1:00:01
- Joe Klecker (USA) – 1:00:02
- Shunsuke Kuwata (Japan) – 1:00:13
Obiri’s victory adds another milestone to her growing list of road racing achievements, reinforcing Kenya’s dominance in international long-distance running.
