Somali-born Abdi Nageeye fulfilled a long-sought redemption on Sunday by winning the 2024 New York City Marathon in 2:07:39, becoming the first Dutchman to claim victory in the iconic race. Nageeye surged ahead of 2022 champion Evans Chebet of Kenya in the final mile to secure a six-second lead. His triumph, following a challenging withdrawal from the Paris Olympics, marks a major milestone in his career and powerful comeback.
For Nageeye, the triumph was the culmination of a journey defined by perseverance. Born in Mogadishu, Somalia, Nageeye fled with his family amid the chaos of civil conflict, resettling in the Netherlands at age six. His path from refugee to elite athlete exemplifies the power of determination and hope. “Every day after Paris, I thought about redemption,” Nageeye shared, reflecting on his earlier disappointment at the Paris Olympics, where a hip injury forced him out of the race.
Sunday’s race was anything but predictable. The competitive men’s field included top contenders like Tamirat Tola, the reigning Olympic champion from Ethiopia, and Evans Chebet, a Boston Marathon winner. Nageeye’s strategic pacing—staying with the leaders and conserving energy until a decisive move after 36 kilometres—paid off, showcasing his experience and mental fortitude.
“I knew the course well, and that gave me confidence,” Nageeye said, recounting his tactics honed from previous runs in New York, where he finished third in 2022. His ability to push through the notorious hills and strategic bridge crossings of the 26.2-mile course proved crucial to his win.
On the women’s side, Kenya’s Sheila Chepkirui claimed her first major marathon title in 2:24:35, outpacing defending champion Hellen Obiri in a thrilling final mile. Vivian Cheruiyot’s third-place finish completed an all-Kenyan podium, reaffirming the country’s stronghold on women’s distance running.
More than 50,000 runners participated in this year’s marathon, with the crisp 40-degree weather offering optimal racing conditions. Conner Mantz led the American men with a sixth-place finish at 2:09:00, while Sara Vaughn secured sixth place among the American women with a time of 2:26:56.
The wheelchair races also provided significant American victories, with Daniel Romanchuk reclaiming his crown in 1:36:31 and Susannah Scaroni winning by a commanding margin of over 10 minutes.
As Nageeye crossed the finish line, tears welled up as the reality of his achievement settled in. “I was thinking I’m dreaming,” he said. “Nobody was believing in me, even the favorites—I wasn’t even in the top five. But I knew what I was capable of.”
The former Olympic silver medalist has added the prestigious New York City Marathon to his list of accomplishments, including a victory at the Rotterdam Marathon earlier this year.
