TCS NYC MARATHON

November 2, 2025

Benson Kipruto

Alexander Mutiso

Albert Korir

Press Conference

THE MODERATOR: We're continuing our press conference with our Men's Open Division top three, another sweep of the podium for Kenya.

Please welcome to the stage in third place with a time of 2:09:06, our 2021 champion Albert Korir, followed by Alexander Mutiso, finishing second in 2:08:40, just second place ever so slightly missing out on the top. And welcome to our champion Benson Kipruto with a time of 2:08:39. Just noting that Benson's time was the seventh fastest by a New York City Marathon debutant.

Benson, congratulations. When did you feel Alexander closing in on you in those final few meters?

BENSON KIPRUTO: We started pushing towards the last two miles. I tried myself pushing, and he was not letting me go. I said, okay, let's see who will win, and eventually I won.

THE MODERATOR: It was an incredible finish. Alexander, you were 2/10 of a second off the win. How do you feel about your performance today?

ALEXANDER MUTISO: Okay. I'm happy with today's performance. It was not easy. It was hard. But I said I will fight until the finishing point. I knew Benson is very strong, but I said keep pushing and following him until the finishing line. I was happy for finishing on the podium.

THE MODERATOR: It was incredible. The noise from the crowd and the media when you finished was incredible.

Albert, you're such a strong performer at the TCS New York City Marathon, winner in 2021, second in 2023, third last year. What is it about New York City that you love so much?

ALBERT KORIR: New York City Marathon means a lot to me. I've come like five times to the podium. I have mastered the course, but always I got a strong team and I am happy to run with them, like Benson and Alex. So I enjoy it.

THE MODERATOR: Kenya now has 35 victories of the TCS New York City Marathon, 18 in the men's field and 17 in the Women's Open.

Let's open the floor to questions from the media.

Q. Benson, congratulations on the victory. Were you aware of just how close Alexander was in those final meters? It looked a couple times like you weren't totally sure he was still there. Can you walk me through that?

BENSON KIPRUTO: Yes, I was aware that Mutiso was behind, and it was so close, and I knew because I know Mutiso also is a strong guy. I've been running with him also in Paris Olympics. So I knew it was going to be a tight race.

But I never lose hope up through the last stages of the race.

Q. Benson, you have now won Chicago, Boston, Tokyo, and New York. How does this fourth win change your legacy and what you're going to be doing in the future?

BENSON KIPRUTO: I'm so happy to have my fourth win of a major marathon. This is my third win, all the American majors win today. I'm so happy. I think I need now a three-star from the American major marathons. Thank you.

Q. What an epic ending. You remember what I told you in 2021? Remember? Do you remember what I told you two days ago? I will tell you. Faith never lasts. So congratulations. Please can you tell to all those kids that are following you, you are the role model, what is your formula to constantly be there and winning championships and winning majors?

BENSON KIPRUTO: I think there's no secret in winning and finishing on the podium. Just believe in yourself and have patience and believe in training, what you are doing. I think that's kept me running, finishing on the podium, and winning the major marathons. Thank you.

Q. Benson, congratulations on all four of your wins. Which of the four courses has been the toughest for you? Which one do you think is the toughest course?

BENSON KIPRUTO: I find many people comparing this course with the Boston Marathon, but for me this course is fair, not so tough, as they say, but also all the courses depend on the preparations and the level of shape you are during preparation.

I would say this course is good, better than Boston, but I've won Boston. It depends on the preparation.

Q. My question is for Alex Mutiso. Alex, what was going through your head in the last 100 meters? My second part is what did you and Benson say to each other after you cross the finish line?

ALEXANDER MUTISO: I say I'm very happy to have been in the podium in the faster time in New York. I have been motivated by Benson and my colleague here. I say I'm very happy and I'll keep on pushing. Thank you.

Q. Benson, what makes Claudio Berardelli such a special coach? And why is Claudio such a good coach for you? What is it about the relationship between the two of you?

BENSON KIPRUTO: I think my coach is so experienced that he has been coaching over the years, and that's what makes us to win or to finish major marathons on the podium because the last two editions we have won, and last year we are second. So I think we have a bit of history with our coach.

Q. For all three of you, I know you're all worn out from the marathon, but do you still consider racing on the track? Do you still consider racing cross country? Are you past those kind of events?

BENSON KIPRUTO: For me, I never run track. I'm only majorly on road race and marathon.

ALEXANDER MUTISO: For me, I did cross country and also track events, but now I am focused in road racing and marathon.

ALBERT KORIR: For me, I never race in cross country or road race. I only focus on marathon.

THE MODERATOR: That concludes our Men's Open press conference. Benson, we ask you to stay on stage. Our men's podium, ladies and gentlemen, of the 2025 TCS New York City Marathon. Let's hear it for Albert Korir, Alexander Mutiso, and Benson Kipruto, your champion.

To celebrate Benson's win in his debut at New York City Marathon, please welcome to the stage Isadora Bailly, VP of Marketing Americas at TAG Heuer to present the Connected Calibre E5.