Kenyan Runners Emerge Victorious at 2021 NYC Marathon

By Alyssa Wilson Published: November 9, 2021

Kenyan Runners Emerge Victorious at 2021 NYC Marathon

Kenyan runners Albert Korir (left) and Peres Jepchirchir (right) after winning the NYC Marathon. (Photo: Associated Press)

In Summary

Runners from Kenya won the men's and women's race at the 2021 NYC Marathon.

Kenyan runners Albert Korir and Peres Jepchirchir swept the competition at the 2021 NYC Marathon.

After being canceled in 2020, the world’s second-oldest marathon returned. Organizers hoped the competition would uplift the spirit of residents in a city where thousands died from COVID-19.

According to ESPN, Korir won this year’s men’s race. This comes two years after he finished second in the competition. Jepchirchir made history as the only woman to win the marathon after earning a gold medal in the Olympics.

First place mens finisher Albert Korir of Kenya, center, second place finisher Mohamed El Aaraby of Morrocco, left, and third place finisher Eyob Faniel of Italy participate in a ceremony at the finish line of the New York City Marathon in New York, Sunday, Nov. 7, 2021. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)

Kiror’s victory, with a time of 2:08:22, was his first victory in one of the World Marathon Majors. The last time he competed in the race, the 27-year-old came just 23 seconds short of the top spot, ESPN reported.

First place finisher Peres Jepchirchir of Kenya participates in a ceremony after crossing the finish line of the New York City Marathon in New York, Sunday, Nov. 7, 2021. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)

Jepchirchir was neck in neck with Viola Cheptoo and Ababel Yeshaneh, but as the runners reached Central Park, she picked up the pace to win with a time of 2:22:39, making the 28-year-old the third-fastest woman to run the NYC Marathon.