Veteran Kenyan marathoner Eliud Kipchoge finished 17th in the New York City Marathon on November 2, 2025, achieving a historic milestone by completing all seven Abbott World Marathon Majors. This marked his first participation in the race, solidifying his legacy despite a less dominant recent performance. The event saw fellow Kenyans dominate the men's top three positions.
Eliud Kipchoge, the 40-year-old Kenyan marathon legend who turns 41 next week, crossed the finish line in 17th place at the New York City Marathon on Sunday, November 2, 2025, with a time of 2:14:36. This performance, six minutes behind the winner, allowed him to complete the seven Abbott World Marathon Majors: Tokyo, Boston, London, Berlin, Chicago, Sydney, and New York City. The race was Kipchoge's debut in New York, fulfilling a personal goal he had described as essential to avoid feeling incomplete in his career.
The marathon started in Staten Island, passing the Statue of Liberty, through Brooklyn and Long Island City, over the Pulaski Bridge into Manhattan via the Madison Avenue Bridge, and ending in Central Park. Kipchoge competed alongside veterans like Ethiopia's Kenenisa Bekele in what may have been his final competitive race.
Benson Kipruto won the men's race in under 2:08:09, followed closely by compatriot Alexander Kipruto in second at 2:08:10, just 16 seconds behind, and Abel Kipchumba in third under 2:08:57. Kipchoge's achievement adds him to the Seven Star Hall of Fame, where 4,413 finishers were recorded as of September 20, 2025.
While Kipchoge's career includes numerous accolades and dominance in the sport, his performances over the last two years have been less commanding, prompting mixed reactions and calls for retirement from some observers. Nonetheless, this milestone cements his status as one of the most complete marathoners globally.