Running News Daily

NEW YORK — The streets of the Big Apple produced two compelling champions on Saturday as Habtom Samuel and Rachael Rudel captured the men’s and women’s titles at the 2026 Abbott Dash to the Finish Line 5K, delivering standout performances during New York City Marathon weekend.

Samuel, representing Eritrea, produced the headline performance in the men's race, storming to victory in 13:31 after making a decisive move with roughly one kilometre remaining. As the course climbed toward the finish, Samuel surged away from the field and created the separation he needed to secure an impressive victory.

Edwin Kurgat of Kenya finished second in 13:38, while American Amon Kemboi took third in 13:40. Australia's Jackson Sharp was fourth in 13:41, followed by fellow Australian Morgan McDonald in 13:46.

For Samuel, the victory arrived at an important moment in his career. Earlier this week, he announced his signing with HOKA as a professional athlete, and he immediately backed that major career development with a statement performance on one of the biggest weekends on the American road-running calendar.

His decisive late attack demonstrated not only his speed but also his tactical confidence. Rather than waiting for a sprint to the finish, Samuel chose the moment to strike, pushing hard over the final kilometre and forcing his rivals to chase.

The women's race delivered an equally impressive performance, with Rachael Rudel claiming the title in 15:35. The American gradually worked her way clear of the field and then slowly opened the gap on fellow American Josette Andrews during the closing stages.

Andrews finished second in 15:41, while Edna Kurgat secured third in 15:42, giving the United States a sweep of the women's podium. Rudel's winning time was also a personal best, adding another milestone to an already impressive season.

Rudel's victory was far from an isolated success. The American arrived in New York carrying considerable momentum after recently winning the B.A.A. 10K and the USATF 20K Championships. Her Abbott 5K victory therefore extends a remarkable run of form and further establishes her as one of the most consistent American road racers of the season.

The way Rudel won was particularly telling. Rather than producing one explosive attack, she patiently created separation from the field before gradually pulling away from Andrews late in the race. That combination of patience, strength and finishing speed proved decisive as she crossed the line in 15:35, six seconds clear of Andrews.

Together, the men's and women's races produced a memorable double victory for two athletes arriving at very different but equally exciting points in their careers. Samuel used New York to announce the beginning of his new professional chapter, while Rudel continued a remarkable streak of success against strong domestic competition.

The international flavour of the event was also reflected throughout the results. Samuel led the men's field ahead of Kenyan Edwin Kurgat and American Amon Kemboi, while Rudel, Andrews and Edna Kurgat dominated the women's podium.

With New York once again transformed into the centre of the running world, the Abbott Dash to the Finish Line 5K provided its own share of drama before the marathon even took centre stage.

For Samuel, it was a powerful declaration that his new professional chapter has begun in style. For Rudel, it was another victory to add to a rapidly growing list of achievements.

Two races. Two champions. One unforgettable New York weekend.