Running News Daily

The 2026 TCS New York City Marathon is set to deliver a compelling men's contest on Sunday, November 1, with Sweden's Andreas Almgren preparing to make his marathon debut against defending champion Benson Kipruto of Kenya.

The two athletes arrive in New York with contrasting credentials but plenty of reasons to attract attention. Almgren has established himself as one of the world's leading distance runners on the track and roads, while Kipruto brings proven experience, tactical intelligence and a remarkable record of success at the highest level of marathon racing.

Almgren heads into the race in outstanding form following his victory at the World Athletics Road Running Championships half marathon in Copenhagen in September. The Swede clocked a European record of 58:06 to claim the global title, underlining his growing reputation as one of the most formidable distance runners in international athletics.

His speed was further demonstrated in January when he ran 26:45 over 10km in Valencia, setting a European record for the distance. He also holds the European 10,000m title, achievements that highlight his versatility and ability to compete against the world's best across different distances.

However, the biggest question surrounding Almgren is how effectively he can translate that speed and endurance into the marathon. New York will represent his first attempt at the classic 42.195km distance, presenting an entirely different challenge from the shorter races in which he has already excelled.

Standing in his way is Kipruto, one of Kenya's most accomplished marathoners and the reigning New York City Marathon champion. The 35-year-old produced a dramatic victory last year, edging compatriot Alexander Mutiso in a photo finish after both runners clocked 2:08:09. The margin between them was just 0.16 seconds, making it one of the closest finishes in the event's history.

Kipruto's experience extends far beyond New York. He owns a personal best of 2:02:16, recorded when he won the Tokyo Marathon in 2024, and has secured four major marathon victories, including triumphs in Boston in 2021, Chicago in 2022, Tokyo in 2024 and New York in 2025.

He also claimed the bronze medal in the marathon at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, confirming his ability to compete successfully on the sport's biggest stages. Earlier this year, Kipruto finished third at the Boston Marathon in 2:02:50, demonstrating that he remains a formidable contender among the world's elite marathoners.

The contrast between the two athletes makes their New York showdown particularly intriguing. Almgren possesses exceptional speed and arrives after a record-breaking season, but he must navigate the demands of his first marathon. Kipruto, meanwhile, knows what it takes to win a major race and has already demonstrated his ability to handle the pressure of a fiercely contested finish.

New York's demanding course, with its bridges, rolling terrain and challenging late stages, will test both runners' endurance, patience and tactical awareness. Unlike the flatter courses often associated with record attempts, the New York route frequently rewards athletes who manage their effort carefully and position themselves well for the decisive stages.

Although Almgren's recent performances make him an exciting prospect, Kipruto's experience gives him a significant advantage on paper. Nevertheless, the Swede's remarkable form means he cannot be overlooked as he prepares to test himself over the marathon distance for the first time.

With a strong international field assembled for the 50th edition of the race, the contest between Almgren and Kipruto offers one of the most compelling storylines of Sunday's men's race. Will the European distance-running star make an immediate impact on his marathon debut, or will Kenya's defending champion demonstrate once again why he is among the most successful marathoners of his generation?

The answers will emerge on the streets of New York, where ambition, experience and endurance will collide in one of the biggest races on the global road-running calendar.

Spanish runner Eric Domingo Roldán delivered an extraordinary performance at the Valencia Half Marathon on October 25, 2026, completing the 21.1-kilometre race in an impressive 1:15:49 while pushing his 63-year-old mother, Sílvia, in her wheelchair. Their remarkable achievement was reported as a new world record for completing a half marathon while pushing a wheelchair, improving the previous mark by exactly one minute.

Domingo Roldán maintained an astonishing average pace of approximately 3 minutes and 36 seconds per kilometre, equivalent to about 5 minutes and 47 seconds per mile. Sustaining such a pace over the half marathon distance is a significant athletic achievement, made even more remarkable by the additional physical demands of pushing a wheelchair throughout the race.

Yet, beyond the impressive time and reported world record, their story carries a much deeper meaning. Sílvia lives with multiple sclerosis (MS), a chronic neurological condition that affects the brain and spinal cord. Since 2016, Eric has used running as a platform to raise awareness of the disease, promote inclusion and share their extraordinary journey with people around the world.

Their partnership is rooted in years of love and family support. When Eric was a boy, his mother would take him to football matches regardless of the weather. Today, he is returning that love in a beautiful and inspiring way, taking her along on challenging races and ensuring they can continue creating unforgettable memories together.

Their achievements extend well beyond the half marathon distance. The mother-and-son duo have also recorded remarkable performances over the full marathon, completing the 42.195-kilometre distance in 2:53:28 at the 2021 Barcelona Marathon before improving their time to 2:52:39 at the 2022 Valencia Marathon. Those performances further demonstrated Eric's endurance and the dedication required to compete at a high level while pushing his mother's wheelchair.

Pushing a wheelchair over long distances demands considerable strength, stamina and concentration. Every kilometre brings its own challenges, from navigating turns and crowded sections to maintaining control and pace throughout the course. Their achievements reflect not only physical preparation but also the commitment required to make every race a shared experience.

Through their participation in major running events, Eric and Sílvia also help bring greater visibility to multiple sclerosis. Their journey encourages conversations about the challenges faced by people living with neurological conditions and highlights the importance of accessibility, inclusion and opportunities for people with disabilities to participate in sporting and community activities.

Their story also challenges conventional ideas about success in athletics. While many runners measure achievement through personal bests, medals and podium finishes, Eric and Sílvia demonstrate that running can serve a greater purpose. Their races are opportunities to raise awareness, inspire others and celebrate the strength of a relationship that continues to grow through shared experiences.

For Eric, every finish line is an opportunity to honour the woman who supported him during his childhood. For Sílvia, each race offers another chance to experience the excitement of competition alongside her son. Together, they have transformed running into a powerful expression of gratitude, resilience and unconditional love.

Their 1:15:49 performance at the Valencia Half Marathon is an outstanding sporting achievement, but its significance reaches far beyond the stopwatch. By combining athletic ambition with a mission to raise awareness of multiple sclerosis, Eric Domingo Roldán and his mother are showing how sport can unite families, challenge perceptions and inspire people from all walks of life.

Some runners compete for medals, records and personal glory. Eric and Sílvia remind us that the most meaningful victories can be those shared with the people we love. At the finish line in Valencia, their achievement was not simply about running 21.1 kilometres. It was another powerful chapter in a journey defined by courage, purpose and an unbreakable mother-and-son bond.

An impressive international field of middle- and long-distance running stars will descend on Honolulu, Hawaii, on December 12 for the 2026 Kalakaua Merrie Mile, promising an exciting contest along the scenic Waikiki Beach as part of Honolulu Marathon Weekend.

The elite fields have been confirmed for the one-mile race, featuring 23 athletes across the women's and men's competitions. The event will bring together world championship medallists, national champions and established international stars in a unique format designed to deliver an exciting battle for the overall victory.

Kenya's Dorcus Ewoi, the World Championships 1500m silver medallist, headlines the women's field. She will face a competitive lineup that includes American Addy Wiley, the World Indoor Championships 800m bronze medallist, and Japanese record holder Nozomi Tanaka.

Other notable contenders include American middle-distance runners Josette Andrews, Abbey Caldwell, Kayley DeLay, Susan Ejore-Sanders, Angelina Ellis, Garbija Galvydyte, Taryn Parks, Annika Reiss and Addy Wiley, alongside Tanaka and Ewoi. The field combines international experience with athletes capable of making the mile a fiercely contested race.

The men's competition is equally compelling, with several accomplished distance runners expected to challenge for the top honours. American Ethan Strand, the U.S. 1500m champion, will line up against compatriot Vince Ciattei, the U.S. 5000m champion, in a field packed with championship pedigree.

Australia's Oliver Hoare and Ky Robinson, both Commonwealth Games champions, add further international quality to the contest. American Nico Young, the U.S. 10,000m champion, will also be among the athletes to watch, while Kenya's Festus Lagat and other leading competitors will be looking to make their mark.

The men's field also includes Davis Bove, Allon Clay, Foster Malleck, Gary Martin, Trent McFarland, Ethan Strand, Matt Wilkinson and Nico Young, setting up an intriguing contest among athletes with different strengths and racing backgrounds.

One of the event's biggest attractions is its battle-of-the-sexes chase format. The women will receive a head start before the men begin their pursuit, with athletes from both fields competing for the same overall finishing order. The format adds a tactical dimension to the race, creating the possibility of a dramatic fight for the line as the leading runners converge in the closing stages.

With $39,000 in guaranteed prize money and $15,000 awarded to the overall winner, the race offers a significant financial incentive alongside the opportunity to compete against an elite international lineup. The shared finishing order also means the overall title will be determined by performance across both fields rather than by the men's and women's races being treated as entirely separate contests.

The Kalakaua Merrie Mile has become an attractive feature of Honolulu's running calendar, combining elite competition with the atmosphere of one of the world's most recognisable coastal destinations. Its December 12 staging will provide another opportunity for fans to see accomplished athletes compete over the mile in an unconventional and spectator-friendly format.

The 2026 edition will take place on Saturday, December 12, along Waikiki Beach in Honolulu, Hawaii, during Honolulu Marathon Weekend.

With world championship medallists, national champions and international record holders among the confirmed entrants, the Kalakaua Merrie Mile is shaping up to be one of the standout attractions of Honolulu Marathon Weekend.

Kenyan marathon stars Hellen Obiri and Benson Kipruto will return to the streets of New York on Sunday, November 1, 2026, aiming to retain their titles at the TCS New York City Marathon and extend Kenya’s remarkable legacy in one of the world’s most prestigious road races.

Both athletes arrive as defending champions, carrying the confidence of previous victories but facing formidable opposition in their pursuit of another memorable triumph through the five boroughs of New York City.

Obiri Targets Another Historic New York Triumph

In the women’s race, Obiri will be looking to build on her outstanding performance in 2025, when she won in a course-record time of 2:19:51. The victory further underlined her exceptional ability to excel over the marathon distance and on New York’s demanding course.

A three-time winner would strengthen Obiri’s standing among the most successful women to have competed in the event. However, retaining her crown will require another outstanding performance against a competitive field featuring familiar rivals and accomplished marathoners.

Among her principal challengers is compatriot Sheila Chepkirui, the 2024 champion, who knows what it takes to conquer the streets of New York. Veteran Kenyan marathoner Edna Kiplagat also brings considerable experience and a distinguished record to the contest, adding further depth to the women’s race.

Obiri’s combination of speed, endurance and championship experience makes her a leading contender, but the defending champion will need to deliver another commanding performance to remain ahead of the competition.

Kipruto Seeks Consecutive Victories After Dramatic 2025 Finish

In the men’s race, Kipruto returns with the same objective: to defend his title and prove once again that he belongs among the elite marathoners of his generation.

His 2025 victory remains memorable for its extraordinary finish. Kipruto clocked 2:08:09, edging training partner Alexander Mutiso by just 0.03 seconds in a thrilling sprint through Central Park. The razor-thin margin provided a dramatic conclusion to a fiercely contested race and highlighted the fine margins separating victory from defeat at the highest level.

Kipruto will now attempt to become a back-to-back champion in a field expected to test his endurance, tactical awareness and finishing strength. Standing among the notable challengers are former New York City Marathon champions Geoffrey Kamworor and Abdi Nageeye, both of whom possess the experience and ability to challenge for the title.

With the course demanding sustained effort across all five boroughs before the decisive final miles in Central Park, Kipruto will need to manage his race carefully if he is to repeat last year's success.

His previous victory provides a strong foundation, but defending a major marathon title is never straightforward, particularly against opponents who understand the demands of the course.

Kenya's Double Defence Takes Centre Stage

The prospect of Obiri and Kipruto successfully defending their respective crowns adds an exciting dimension to Sunday's race. Both athletes have already demonstrated that they can handle the pressure of competing at the highest level, but the challenge now is to reproduce those performances against determined challengers.

For Obiri, another victory would further enhance an already impressive marathon résumé. For Kipruto, consecutive titles would reinforce his reputation as one of the sport's most formidable competitors over 42.195 kilometres.

Kenya has a proud tradition at the New York City Marathon, and the two defending champions will once again carry the nation's hopes into one of the biggest events on the global road-running calendar.

With the starting gun set to send thousands of runners through the streets of New York, all eyes will be on the elite races as Obiri and Kipruto attempt to turn another demanding Sunday into a memorable chapter in their careers.

Two defending champions, two fiercely contested races and one major opportunity for Kenya to celebrate another New York double.

American distance running fans will have plenty to watch for at the 2026 TCS New York City Marathon on Sunday, November 1, as a deep contingent of homegrown talent prepares to challenge one of the world's most demanding marathon courses and pursue a place in the race's history.

Leading the American women's field is Jessica McClain, who owns a personal best of 2:20:49 and will face a competitive lineup featuring several of the country's fastest marathoners. With the race set to wind through New York City's five boroughs, the biggest question is whether one of the American women can deliver a historic performance and establish a new benchmark on the iconic course.

The time to beat is 2:22:49, set by Fiona O'Keeffe in 2025 as the fastest marathon performance by an American woman on the New York City Marathon course. With several accomplished athletes on the start list, attention will turn to whether that mark can be lowered on Sunday.

McClain will face stiff competition from Annie Frisbie, whose personal best stands at 2:22:00, and Carrie Ellwood, who has run 2:22:53. Amanda Vestri, with a best of 2:24:49, and Lauren Hagans, at 2:25:47, also bring impressive credentials to the race.

The depth of the field extends beyond the leading contenders. Paige Wood (2:26:02), Steph Bruce (2:27:47) and Roberta Groner (2:29:09) are among the experienced runners expected to strengthen the American challenge. Megan O'Neil (2:31:31), Monica Hebner (2:32:40), Brooke Starn (2:35:22), Alosha Southern (2:36:10), Keelah Barger (2:36:13) and Maddie Block (2:36:25) add further depth to the lineup. Meanwhile, Cailie Hughes and Weini Kelati are listed for their marathon debuts.

The New York City Marathon's unique course adds another layer of intrigue to the contest. Starting on Staten Island before taking runners through Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx and Manhattan, the race demands more than raw speed. Its bridges, rolling terrain and challenging closing miles can significantly influence the outcome, making efficient pacing, tactical awareness and strength over the final stages essential for anyone hoping to challenge O'Keeffe's mark.

Beyond the pursuit of a historic time, the battle for top American honors promises to be another compelling storyline. McClain will headline the home contingent, but the strength of the field means the outcome is far from certain. A fast opening pace alone will not guarantee success; the decisive moments are likely to come in the later stages, when the runners must balance ambition with the physical demands of the course.

The race also offers an opportunity to showcase the depth of American women's distance running. While the established marathoners will look to convert their experience and personal bests into strong performances, Hughes and Kelati face the challenge of adapting to the marathon's unique demands. For Kelati, in particular, the debut will mark a new chapter in a career built on her achievements over shorter distances.

With national bragging rights and a place in New York Marathon history at stake, the American women's contest is shaping up to be one of Sunday's most intriguing storylines.

Can McClain or another American woman break O'Keeffe's 2:22:49 course benchmark, and who will emerge as the top American finisher? The answers will unfold on Sunday as the country's leading women take on one of the most celebrated races in global distance running.

The professional field for the 2026 TCS New York City Marathon has undergone several changes after New York Road Runners announced that a number of athletes have withdrawn from Sunday's highly anticipated race.

Among the notable names scratched from the lineup are Italian marathon star Iliass Aouani, Ethiopian distance runner Gotytom Gebreslase, American marathoner Casey Clinger and Olympic medalist Paul Chelimo, marking significant changes to the field ahead of one of the world's most prestigious marathons.

Aouani was among the most notable names on the withdrawal list. The Italian claimed bronze in the men's marathon at the 2025 World Athletics Championships and has also established himself as one of Europe's leading marathon runners, having won the European marathon title. His absence removes an experienced championship performer from the men's elite field.

Gebreslase is another significant withdrawal. The Ethiopian is a two-time World Championships marathon medallist and has consistently demonstrated her ability to compete at the highest level of international distance running. Her withdrawal represents a notable change to the women's professional lineup.

The American contingent has also been affected, with Clinger and Chelimo among those no longer scheduled to compete. Clinger, who owns a marathon personal best of 2:08:43, has emerged as a competitive presence in American distance running. His withdrawal removes another accomplished runner from the men's field.

Chelimo, meanwhile, brings an impressive track record to the list of withdrawals. The two-time Olympic medallist in the 5,000 metres has represented the United States on the biggest international stages, earning Olympic silver at Rio 2016 and bronze at Tokyo 2020. Although best known for his achievements on the track, his name had added further interest to the marathon's professional lineup.

The other athletes listed as scratched are Huseydin Mohamed Esa of Ethiopia, Erika Kemp, JP Trojan and Jared Ward of the United States. Their withdrawals further reshape the field as the final preparations continue for Sunday's race.

The New York City Marathon remains one of the most celebrated events on the global road-running calendar, attracting elite international competitors and tens of thousands of runners across its iconic five-borough course. With the race approaching, attention will now turn to the remaining professional athletes preparing to take on the demanding 26.2-mile challenge through New York City.

The latest withdrawals underline how quickly an elite marathon field can change in the days leading up to race day, leaving fans eager to see which athletes will ultimately line up for the 2026 edition.