Kenya’s Sheila Chepkirui wins the women’s race at the New York City Marathon

By Doug Feinberg

Kenya’s Sheila Chepkirui won the women’s race at the New York City Marathon on Sunday, pulling away from defending champion Hellen Obiri in the final mile.

It was Chepkirui’s first time running the New York race after starting to run marathons in 2022. She finished the race in 2 hours, 24 minutes, 35 seconds. Obiri finished nearly 15 seconds behind.

Obiri was looking to be the first repeat champion since Mary Keitany of Kenya won three in a row from 2014-16. Vivian Cheruiyot of Kenya finished third, giving the African nation the top three spots.

Sara Vaughn, the top American women’s finisher, was in the lead group heading into Mile 20 when they entered the Bronx before she dropped off the lead pack. She finished sixth.

Vaughn was geared up to run Chicago before COVID-19 kept her from competing in that race. She was a late addition to