New York City Marathon officials explain visit to Kenya
Reading Time: 3min | Sun. 22.02.26. | 14:29
Kenyan athletes have played a dominant role in the New York City Marathon, particularly over the past two decades
Organisers of the New York City Marathon recently visited Kenya in a tour designed to honour past champions and strengthen ties with the country that has shaped the race’s history.
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The delegation paid a courtesy call to former winners, among them Ibrahim Hussein, who made history as the first Kenyan to win the New York City Marathon.
His breakthrough victory marked the beginning of Kenya’s dominance in one of the world’s most prestigious road races and inspired generations of runners who would follow in his footsteps.
Kenyan athletes have played a dominant role in the New York City Marathon, particularly over the past two decades.
Champions such as: Geoffrey Mutai, Wilson Kipsang, Stanley Biwott, Geoffrey Kamworor, Albert Korir, Evans Chebet, and Benson Kipruto have carried the men’s title back home in recent years.
On the women’s side, Tegla Loroupe broke barriers in 1994 as the first African woman to win the race, paving the way for later triumphs by Mary Keitany, Joyciline Jepkosgei, and Hellen Obiri, whose most recent victory came in 2025.
Beyond celebrating past glory, the organisers travelled to Iten in Elgeyo Marakwet County, globally recognised as a breeding ground for distance running talent.
There, they held discussions with officials from Athletics Kenya and the county government on ways to nurture young athletes and create stronger development pathways.
Athletics Kenya Executive Member and Youth Development Director Barnaba Korir described the visit as symbolic and important.
“We are very privileged to have the CEO of the New York City Marathon. Everyone knows the NYC Marathon is the premier marathon in the world. It is very important to have him here so he can see where these athletes come from.
The number of athletes who have won the NYC Marathon is huge, and coming here is like home, where the champions have been nurtured,” he said.
For New York City Marathon CEO Rob Simmelkjaer, engaging with young runners in Iten was a powerful experience.
“Being here today with all of these children, young people, watching them run was one of the best projects for me because we love to see the future runners.
These children, I asked them all if they have ever heard of the NYC Marathon, and they raised their hands,” he said. “I asked them if they want to run the NYC Marathon someday, and they all raised their hands.
So, I think we have some future champions of the NYC right here in Iten because this is the area that produces champions, and we know more and more are coming here. It has been an honour being here for my team and me,” he continued.
Elgeyo Marakwet Governor Wisley Rotich welcomed the partnership, noting that athletics remains a powerful tool for social mobility.
“It is such an honour to partner with you and to nurture more talent, to support our young ones, and to ensure that their dream of running at the NYC Marathon comes to fruition.
We will continue partnering to ensure that athletics not only becomes a sport, but can also change lives for children from humble backgrounds. Because here we have got the talent, the challenge is making those talents successful,” he said.
The 2026 New York Marathon will take place on Sunday, 1 November.