NYC Marathon Women's Race Set for Exciting Showdown

Hellen Obiri, the reigning champion, returns to defend her title against 2024 winner Sheila Chepkirui. Obiri set a new course record in 2025, finishing in 2:19:51. Chepkirui, now 35, aims to upset Obiri after a win at the Nagoya Women’s Marathon.

Several top runners, including Sifan Hassan and Gotytom Gebreslase, have scratched. Weini Kelati, the U.S. half-marathon record holder, makes her marathon debut. Mercy Chelangat, with two PBs this year, could challenge the leaders. Read more racing coverage.

Canadian viewers can watch on TSN at 8 a.m. ET on Nov. 1. International viewers can stream on FloTrak. The New York Road Runners app offers live tracking. Related: Weini Kelati to Debut in NYC Marathon.

This original Runner World brief is based on reporting from Canadian Running. Visit the source for its complete reporting, context and any later corrections.

Questions about this report

What should runners know about NYC Marathon Women's Race Set for Exciting Showdown?

Elite runners, including defending champion Hellen Obiri, prepare for a tough race. Hellen Obiri, the reigning champion, returns to defend her title against 2024 winner Sheila Chepkirui. Obiri set a new course record in 2025, finishing in 2:19:51. Chepkirui, now 35, aims to upset Obiri after a win at the Nagoya Women’s Marathon.

When did Runner World publish this racing brief?

Runner World published this brief on October 27, 2026. The underlying Canadian Running report was dated October 27, 2026.

Where can readers find the complete original report?

This summary is based on reporting from Canadian Running. The attributed source link in the article leads to the publisher’s complete report.

Questions about this report

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