Swedish runner Almgren upsets field to take New York title

Andreas Almgren crossed the finish line in Central Park on Sunday with a time of 2:06:01, securing the New York City Marathon title. The 31-year-old from Sweden won by 13 seconds, finishing ahead of Yeman Crippa from Italy and Benson Kipruto of Kenya.

Almgren launched his winning move in the final mile. His performance marks a shift in long-distance running, as he becomes the first European-born man to claim the victory since Giacomo Leone of Italy in 1996. He is also the first Swedish runner to win this specific event.

The race featured a tight middle section. Ireland's Peter Lynch, 28, from Kilkenny, ran with the leaders for the first half. He passed the halfway mark in 1:04:11, only 10 seconds behind Almgren. By the finish, however, the pace had shifted, and Lynch crossed the line in 2:10:03 to place 19th.

The course conditions affected record times. The undulating terrain across five boroughs prevented many runners from setting personal bests. Lynch's time fell short of his Irish record of 2:06:08, which he set in London in April. Kipruto, the defending champion, finished fourth at 2:06:27, one second behind Mofolo from Lesotho, who took third.

In the women's race, Sheila Chepkirui of Kenya won with a time of 2:24:36. American Jessica McClain finished second in 2:24:42, edging out defending champion Hellen Obiri of Kenya by one second. Obiri's time was 2:24:43.

Almgren's victory adds to a strong 2026 season. He won gold at the World Half Marathon in September, becoming the first non-African man to do so in 30 years. He also captured the European 10,000m title in Birmingham in August. For his New York win, Almgren received a $100,000 prize, equivalent to 89,250 euros.