Survival and victory in the 2024 New York Marathon. Abdi Nageye and Sheila Chepkirui’s journey to victory
The 2024 TCS New York City Marathon featured a powerful display of endurance and redemption as men and women raced against each other on the iconic 26.2-mile course that winds through New York’s five boroughs. Both the men’s and women’s champions, Abdi Nageye of the Netherlands and Sheila Chepkiru of Kenya, came out on top at the end of the day as they had to overcome separate mental hurdles to end the year as winners in the final marathon major.
Nageeye’s Road to Salvation
For Nageeye, this marathon was not just another race. it was a shot at redemption. After a disappointing finish at the Paris Olympics three months ago, where she fell off the podium and almost quit in frustration, Nagey had something to prove. Although he had an Olympic silver medal from Tokyo, the loss in Paris weighed heavily on him, making his victory in New York all the more satisfying.
Nageeye’s winning time of 2:07:39 wasn’t just a personal best on the Big Apple course; this made him the first Dutch runner to win the world marathon title. This was no accident or stroke of luck, it was the result of calculated preparation and a burning desire to redeem himself. His final move, breaking away in the final half-mile, showed his racing acumen and ability to execute under pressure. As he raced ahead of Kenyan Evans Chebet, the 2022 New York Marathon champion, Nagey’s determination and mental strength were on full display. Chebet crossed the line just six seconds back, finishing in 2:07:45, while Kenya’s Albert Korir, who won the race in 2021, rounded out the top three in 2:08:00.
The standout American runner was Conner Mantz, who finished sixth in a personal best time of 2:09:00, the fastest ever by an American on the New York course. Mantz’s performance added another layer of excitement for the home crowd, highlighting the growing talent of US marathoners.
This win is more than just a statistic for Nageeye. it shows the power of resilience. In a sport as brutal as marathon running, setbacks are inevitable, but champions find a way to turn disappointment into motivation. No doubt the pain of Paris fueled his determination, and his victory in New York put him in the conversation as one of the front-runners for future marathon masters.
Chepkiru’s tactical prowess
In the women’s race, Chepkirui showed a different kind of strength, an ability to remain calm and strategic in a field full of talent. Chepkiru’s approach was methodical. He didn’t lead from the start, but instead let the race unfold, staying patient as the pack navigated the early miles through Brooklyn and Queens.
His time of 2:24:35, while not the fastest on record, was enough to win his first major marathon title. But it was his smart gait and well-timed jumps that stood out. Running alongside defending champion Helen Obiri and veteran marathoner Vivian Cheruiyot, Chepkiru waited until mile 23 to make her move. As they entered Central Park, he gradually pulled away from Obiri, finishing 14 seconds ahead. His tactics were as much a part of his victory as his physical endurance, and the win marked his entry as a serious contender in the marathon world.
Vivian Cheruiyot, 41, showed that age is no barrier in distance running, finishing third in 2:25:21. The time fell short of the women’s race record.
For Chepkirui, this win wasn’t just about speed, it was about a mental game plan. Marathon racing, especially in New York City, requires a mixture of strategy and toughness. Chepkirui’s ability to stay composed and wait for the right moment was a great indicator of the value of patience in a race where pace is everything.
A marathon defined by resilience
The New York City Marathon is known for its challenging course and electric atmosphere, with spectators running from Staten Island to the streets of Central Park. But what made this year’s race special was the story of resilience that each champion brought with them.
For Nageeye, it was to prove that failure is not the end. For Chepkirui, it was a demonstration of the importance of strategy and patience in a race that tests not only the body but also the mind. Both champions came to New York with something to prove, and both left with victories that will be remembered not only for the times they posted, but also for the journeys they represented.
