Benson Kipruto Edges Alexander Mutiso to Claim New York City Marathon Title Amid Tough Day for Eliud Kipchoge

Benson Kipruto claimed top honours in the men's race at the New York City Marathon on Sunday, November 3.

Benson Kipruto edged out compatriot Alexander Mutiso in a thrilling sprint finish, his powerful surge securing a hard-fought win.

Some of the top names who had signed up for the marathon include former world marathon record holder Eliud Kipchoge, former Tokyo Marathon champion Benson Kipruto, former London Marathon champion Alexander Mutiso and Albert Korir, a former New York City Marathon champion.

The men's race started at 5:06 pm with Eliud Kipchoge being the main attraction. Passing the 5km mark, American Hillary Bor was in the lead with Albert Korir and Eliud Kipchoge, a five-time Berlin Marathon champion, running closely behind him.

Yudai Fukuda and 2024 Tokyo Marathon champion Benson Kipruto were also in the mix with Alexander Mutiso and Abel Kipchumba other Kenyans in the field.

After 10km, Patrick Dever of Great Britain had taken the lead, with the Kenyan duo of Alexander Mutiso and Albert Korir running with him. Eliud Kipchoge had been pushed slightly back.

Passing the 15km mark, debutant Hillary Bor was running in the lead, with Benson Kipruto, Felix Bour, Albert Korir and Patrick Denver also in the mix. Eliud Kipchoge was also in the leading pack.

Passing the 21km mark, Yudai Fukuda was in the lead, with Sondre Moen, Alexander Mutiso and Hillary Bor running slightly behind him. Benson Kipruto, Albert Korir, Abel Kipchumba and Eliud Kipchoge were also in the mix.

Passing the 25km mark, Hillary Bor took the lead once again, with the Kenyan duo of Alexander Mutiso and Albert Korir following. Abel Kipchumba and Benson Kipruto were also running in the leading pack. At this point, Eliud Kipchoge had also been dropped and was running in the chasing pack.

As the men passed the 30km mark, former New York City Marathon champion Albert Korir was in the lead with Benson Kipruto and Abel Kipchumba running in second and third. Hillary Bor was in fourth.

Approaching the 40km mark, the battle was now between Benson Kipruto and Alexander Mutiso, with both athletes looking confident of taking the crown. Albert Korir was chasing the leaders, but there was no sign he would catch up in time. ,

The race became a battle until the finish line, with Alexander Mutiso not looking to give up the win. However, it was Benson Kipruto who claimed the narrow win.

Benson Kipruto crossed the finish line in 2:08:09 ahead of Alexander Mutiso who clocked the same time. Albert Korir finished third in the race, crossing the finish line in 2:08:57. On his part, marathon legend Eliud Kipchoge finished 17th in the race, crossing the finish line in 2:14:36.