There will be mouthwatering cash prizes for the winners of the 2025 TCS New York City Marathon, an annual long-distance race (42.195 km or 26.219 mi) that courses through the five boroughs of New York City in the United States of America.

This year’s race will see the greatest runners of the current generation face each other for the top honours, with Kenya’s Eliud Kipchoge making his highly anticipated debut this Sunday, November 2, 2025, as the 54th edition of the long-distance race unfolds.

Kenyans on the hunt

The former world record holder will be joined by compatriot Benson Kipruto, the Olympic Games gold medalist and 2023 Boston Marathon and 2022 Chicago Marathon champion, in search of glory through the streets of New York City against the world’s best marathon runners.

“Running the TCS New York City Marathon has been a long-standing goal of mine, and I’m honoured to join the tens of thousands of runners who will run through the five boroughs in November,” said Kipchoge. “I look forward to the city’s energy, its passionate running community, and the challenge of the iconic course.” Kipchoge, who recently finished ninth at the Sydney Marathon in August, said.

The champions of both the men’s and women’s races are set to receive a commanding $100,000 (Ksh12.9 million) each, placing the New York City Marathon among the highest-paying road races globally. The prize money then scales down through the top finishers. Those who finish second and third will pocket $60,000 (Ksh7.7 million) and $40,000 (Ksh5.1 million), respectively.

The New York City Marathon is the largest in the world, with 53,627 finishers in 2019 and 98,247 applicants for the 2017 race. Along with the Boston Marathon and Chicago Marathon, it is among the pre-eminent long-distance annual running events in the United States and is one of the World Marathon Majors.

Kenya’s women’s lineup

The women’s lineup for the 2025 TCS New York City Marathon is also nothing short of amazing.

Hellen Obiri – Double World champion (2017 London and 2019 Doha), 2024 Paris Olympic Games Bronze medalist.

Sharon Lokedi – Two-time major marathon winner (2022 NewYork and 2025 Boston). Major marathon Silver medalist (2024 Boston).

Sheila Chepkirui – 2016 5000 African Champion, Commonwealth Games bronze medalist, World U18 champion.

Vivian Cheruiyot – 5,000m Rio Olympic Champion, 4X World Champion, 2X Olympic Games silver medalist, 3X Diamond League final winner.
Edna Kiplagat – Two-time World Champion, 2017 London World Championship Silver medalist.