)
The 33-year-old beat defending champion Hellen Obiri to the title.
President William Ruto has congratulated Sheila Chepkirui for leading Kenya's podium sweep at the New York City marathon on November 3.
The head of state described the podium sweep as incredible on X account , formerly Twitter. The 33-year-old Chepkirui claimed an emphatic victory at the 53rd edition of the New York Marathon on Sunday, running a time of 02:24:35.
Defending champion Hellen Obiri came in second, clocking at 02:24:49, while Vivian Cheruiyot capped off the podium finishes in a time of 02:25:21.
"Hats off to our phenomenal women’s team for an incredible podium sweep at the 2024 New York City Marathon! Congratulations Sheila Chepkirui for winning gold, Hellen Obiri for taking silver, and Vivian Cheruiyot for claiming bronze," the president said.
Sports cabinet secretary Kipchumba Murkomen also had kind words for the trio while extending his praise for men's medalists Evans Chebet and Albert Korir.
"What an extraordinary performance from our ladies in the New York City Marathon today! They dropped everyone behind and made the race their own," Murkomen stated.
"Congratulations, Sheila Chepkirui, on winning the race on your debut. That finish was spectacular. Hellen Obiri and Vivian Cheruiyot, well done for coming 2nd and 3rd, respectively. Good job, Evans Chebet and Albert Korir, for finishing 2nd and 3rd respectively in the men's marathon. You put up a great fight to make it to the podium in a very tough field."
He added: "We are proud of you and all the other Kenyans who competed."
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)