NYC Marathon: Kipchoge crosses finish line in 17th place, seals career milestone
By Kenneth Mwenda, November 2, 2025Eliud Kipchoge crossed the finish line of the 2025 New York City Marathon in 17th place, clocking 2:14:36 on Sunday, November 2, 2025. The 41-year-old Kenyan completed the Abbott World Marathon Majors circuit for the first time, finishing both the Sydney and New York races this fall.
The achievement marks Kipchoge’s completion of all seven Abbott World Marathon Majors, a feat recognised as the “Seven Star” milestone in marathon running.
Kipchoge, a two-time Olympic champion and widely regarded as the greatest marathon runner in history, said his focus was on finishing the race rather than chasing fast times.
“I believe that when I get a seven-star medal, I will be a real marathoner. By running all the major marathons,” he said ahead of the race.
The veteran runner acknowledged the challenge of competing against a younger generation. He said he has made peace with not winning every race and sees value in sharing his experience.
Kipchoge has spent more than two decades shaping his legacy. He has won 11 World Marathon Majors and set two world records. For him, running has always been about more than medals.
“People are buying why I’m doing it, not because I’m doing it,” he said. “I’m selling the sport as a movement, where we make this world united, with freedom of expression and association. There is no place you can express yourself and be happier than in sports.”
The New York City Marathon
The marathon marked the final major of the 2025 World Marathon Major calendar. Kenyan runners dominated the event, with Benson Kipruto edging Alexander Mutiso in a photo finish to win the men’s race in 2:08:09.
Hellen Obiri set a new course record of 2:19:51 to win the women’s race. Americans Fiona O’Keeffe and Annie Frisbie posted their fastest times, while Susannah Scaroni and Marcel Hug won the wheelchair races.
Despite finishing outside the top ten, Kipchoge’s focus was on achieving a personal milestone rather than placing first. The seven-star medal represents a full circle in his marathon career and confirms his place as one of the sport’s most influential athletes.