In what will be remembered as one of the most thrilling conclusions to the New York City Marathon, Benson Kipruto of Kenya secured victory by the narrowest of margins after an intense battle that came down to the final strides in Central Park.
A Battle for the Ages in the Big Apple
The 2024 New York City Marathon delivered pure drama as Kipruto and Ethiopia's Mohammed Esa pushed each other to their absolute limits throughout the 26.2-mile course. The two elite athletes remained neck-and-neck through all five boroughs, with neither able to establish a decisive break.
The final kilometre saw both runners digging deep into their reserves, matching each other stride for stride as they entered the iconic Central Park finish. Spectators held their breath as the pair approached the line virtually inseparable.
The Moment of Truth
As they lunged for the finish tape, timing technology was required to separate the athletes. The official results showed Kipruto crossing just two seconds ahead of his Ethiopian rival, with both runners collapsing from exhaustion immediately after the line.
"I knew it was close, but I just kept pushing until the very end," Kipruto later told reporters. "Mohammed made me work for every step. This victory means everything."
Continuing Kenyan Dominance
Kipruto's victory extends Kenya's impressive record in major marathons, adding another prestigious title to his growing collection. The 32-year-old previously won the Boston Marathon in 2021 and Chicago in 2022, establishing himself as one of distance running's most consistent performers.
The women's race also provided spectacular entertainment, with Hellen Obiri securing back-to-back New York titles in another display of Kenyan distance running excellence.
Record Crowds Line the Streets
An estimated two million spectators created an electric atmosphere along the course, cheering on over 50,000 participants from every corner of the globe. The perfect autumn weather conditions contributed to fast times and competitive racing across all categories.
This year's photo-finish will undoubtedly go down in marathon folklore, serving as a powerful reminder of why the New York City Marathon remains one of the world's most beloved sporting events.
