Kenya’s Four Marathon Queens Prepare for Big New York Showdown At 4:30pm

Kenyan athletes will once again be looking to make their mark on the international stage as four of the country’s celebrated female distance runners take on some of the world’s best competitors at the 2026 New York City Marathon.

Hellen Obiri, Viola Cheptoo, Edna Kiplagat and Sheila Chepkirui are among the Kenyan athletes attracting attention ahead of the prestigious competition, which takes place on Sunday, November 1, 2026.

Obiri will be one of the major names to watch, having established herself as one of the strongest marathon runners in the world.

The two-time New York City Marathon champion has previously demonstrated her ability to handle the demanding course and will be hoping to deliver another impressive performance.

Sheila Chepkirui is another experienced competitor with a strong connection to the New York race. She won the women’s marathon in 2024, proving her ability to compete at the highest level and challenge some of the biggest names in the sport.

Edna Kiplagat also brings considerable experience to the competition. The former world marathon champion has enjoyed a remarkable career spanning several years and remains one of Kenya’s respected figures in long-distance running.

Meanwhile, Viola Cheptoo will be looking to make her presence felt against a competitive international field. Her participation adds further depth to Kenya’s representation in the women’s category.

The four athletes have personal best times of 2:15:53 for Obiri, 2:19:05 for Cheptoo, 2:19:50 for Kiplagat and 2:17:29 for Chepkirui.

Kenya has a proud history in international marathon competitions, with its athletes consistently competing for top honours in major races around the world.

As the New York City Marathon gets underway, attention will be on whether the Kenyan stars can deliver another memorable performance and maintain the country’s strong reputation in global athletics.

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