New York Marathon 2026: Yeman Crippa and Giovanna Epis Lead Italy’s Charge

Sixty thousand runners from 160 countries will take to the streets for the 2026 New York City Marathon on November 1, an increase that sets a new participation ceiling for the world’s second-largest 42.195-kilometer race behind London, ANSA reported. The milestone event arrives alongside a historic course anniversary and a high-stakes debut by Italian distance runner Yeman Crippa.

Yeman Crippa Faces World-Class Field in Historic New York Debut

Italian long-distance runner Yeman Crippa has arrived in the United States ahead of his first appearance at the New York City Marathon, according to an official Italian Athletics Federation report. The reigning champion of the Paris Marathon, where he lowered his personal best to 2:05:18 on April 12, 2024, enters the World Marathon Majors finale carrying ambitious tactical goals. Speaking with ANSA ahead of the race, Crippa stated that he wants to control the pace from the front rather than sit back in the pack. “Voglio una gara di testa, poi mi gioco tutto nel finale,” Crippa said, outlining his plan to dictate the early tempo before deciding the outcome in the closing stages.

The 29-year-old Fiamme Oro athlete brings an elite pedigree to Staten Island. His preparation for the race included a fourth-place finish in the 10,000 meters at the European Championships in Birmingham, a seventh-place run at the World Road Running Championships half marathon in Copenhagen, and a victory at the Giro al Sas in Trento.

The elite men’s field features formidable global competition, led by Kenyan runner Benson Kipruto, who won the 2025 edition in a near photo-finish. Kipruto is joined on the starting line by past New York champions Geoffrey Kamworor of Kenya and Abdi Nageeye of the Netherlands.

Giovanna Epis Leads Italian Women After Historic Marathon Build-Up

On the women’s side, 38-year-old Italian runner Giovanna Epis makes her New York Marathon debut, marking the 23rd marathon of her career, La Gazzetta dello Sport reported. Coached by Giorgio Rondelli, Epis travels to the United States just two weeks after finishing sixth at the WizzAir Rome Half Marathon. Her most recent 42-kilometer outing came at the European Championships in Birmingham, where she finished 21st and secured a team silver medal for Italy.

The women’s division boasts a star-studded international roster, featuring multi-time champions Hellen Obiri, who won in 2023 and 2025, and Sheila Chepkirui, the 2024 victor. Veteran runner Edna Kiplagat, the 2010 champion, returns at age 47 alongside global talents such as Uruguayan bronze medalist Julia Paternain and American newcomer Weini Kelati. Dutch Olympic gold medalist Sifan Hassan withdrew from the race due to a training injury.

Record Turnout and Golden Anniversary Mark the 2026 Course

The 2026 edition marks the 50th anniversary of the iconic five-borough course introduced in 1976, when the race expanded beyond Central Park. Organizers at New York Road Runners received hundreds of thousands of applicants for the lottery, with only about one percent securing entry, according to La Gazzetta dello Sport. Among the tens of thousands of starters are 2,200 Italian runners, making Italy the second-most represented nation behind the United States, ANSA reported. To celebrate the golden anniversary, finishers will receive a special gold-toned commemorative medal featuring the city skyline.

Security across the city will be heavily reinforced, though New York Police Department officials confirmed there are no credible threats to the event. The race route features a recent modification in the Bronx designed to reduce neighborhood impact by removing two sharp turns, reducing the borough’s navigation from seven turns to five before competitors head back down toward Central Park.

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