by Deji Ogeyingbo
Redemption and Triumph at the 2024 New York City Marathon: Abdi Nageeye and Sheila Chepkirui’s Journey to Victory
The 2024 TCS New York City Marathon delivered a powerful display of resilience and redemption across the men’s and women’s races, set against the iconic 26.2-mile course winding through New York’s five boroughs. Both the men’s and women’s champions, Abdi Nageeye of the Netherlands and Sheila Chepkirui of Kenya came out tops at the end of the day, as they needed to overcome separate mental obstacles to end the year as the winner so the last marathon major.
Nageeye’s Road to Redemption
For Nageeye, this marathon wasn’t just another race; it was a shot at redemption. Coming off a disappointing finish at the Paris Olympics three months prior, where he fell short of the podium and nearly quit out of frustration, Nageeye had something to prove to himself. Although he had an Olympic silver medal from Tokyo, the loss in Paris weighed 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; it made him the first Dutch runner to win a World Marathon Major title. This wasn’t a fluke or a stroke of luck, it was the result of calculated preparation and a burning desire to redeem himself. His final move, breaking away in the last half-mile, showed his racing intelligence and ability to execute under pressure. As he surged ahead of Kenya’s Evans Chebet, the 2022 New York City Marathon champion, Nageeye’s determination and mental fortitude were on full display. Chebet crossed the line just six seconds behind, finishing at 2:07:45, while Kenya’s Albert Korir, who won the race in 2021, rounded out the top three at 2:08:00.
Conner Mantz stood out among the American runners, finishing in sixth place with 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, underscoring the rising talent among U.S. marathoners.
This win feels more than just a statistic for Nageeye; it shows the power of resilience. In a sport as grueling as marathon running, setbacks are inevitable, but champions find a way to turn disappointment into motivation. No doubt, the pain of Paris fueled his resolve, and his triumph in New York has put him in the conversation as one of the front runners in future marathon majors.
Chepkirui’s Tactical Mastery
In the women’s race, Chepkirui showed a different kind of strength: the ability to remain calm and strategic in a field stacked with talent. Chepkirui’s approach was methodical. She 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.
Her time of 2:24:35, though not the fastest on record, was enough to clinch her first major marathon title. But it was her smart pacing and well-timed surges that stood out. Running alongside defending champion Hellen Obiri and veteran marathoner Vivian Cheruiyot, Chepkirui waited until mile 23 to make her move. As they entered Central Park, she gradually pulled away from Obiri, finishing 14 seconds ahead. Her tactics were as much a part of her victory as her physical endurance, and the win marked her arrival as a serious contender in the marathon world.
Vivian Cheruiyot, at 41, showed that age is no barrier in distance running, finishing third with a time of 2:25:21. The time came short of the master record in the women’s race.
For Chepkirui, this win wasn’t just about speed but about a mental game plan. Marathon racing, especially in New York, requires a mix of strategy and toughness. Chepkirui’s ability to stay composed and wait for the right moment to surge was a big indication of the value of patience in a race where pacing is everything.
A Marathon Defined by Resilience
The New York City Marathon is known for its challenging course and electric atmosphere, with spectators lining the streets from Staten Island to 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 about proving that failure is not the end; for Chepkirui, it was about showcasing the importance of strategy and patience in a race that tests not just the body but 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 for the journeys they represented.
