Toronto, Canada (AX) — On Sunday, Abdi Nageeye, who hails from Somalia, achieved a long-desired redemption by conquering the 2024 New York City Marathon with a time of 2:07:39. This remarkable feat made him the first Dutchman to seize victory in this legendary race. In a dramatic finale, Nageeye surged past Evans Chebet of Kenya, the previous year’s champion, clinching the win with a six-second advantage. This victory follows a difficult exit from the Paris Olympics, marking a significant landmark in his professional journey and an inspiring comeback.
Nageeye’s success symbolizes a narrative imbued with tenacity. Originally from Mogadishu, Somalia, he escaped the turmoil of civil strife along with his family, relocating to the Netherlands when he was just six years old. His transformation from a refugee to a premier athlete showcases the profound strength of resolve and optimism. “Every single day after Paris, thoughts of redemption consumed me,” he expressed, reflecting on his earlier setback during the Paris Olympics when a hip injury prematurely ended his race.
This year’s marathon unfolded with thrilling unpredictability. The highly competitive men’s field featured formidable talent, including Tamirat Tola—Ethiopia’s reigning Olympic champion—and Evans Chebet, known for his Boston Marathon accolades. Nageeye’s strategic pacing, where he maintained his position with the front-runners and preserved energy until a bold surge after the 36-kilometer mark, highlighted his acumen and mental resilience.
“I had a solid grasp of the course, which bolstered my confidence,” Nageeye recalled, discussing the strategies he developed from prior New York races, notably finishing third last year. His adeptness at navigating the notorious inclines and tactical bridge crossings of the grueling 26.2-mile course was vital to his triumph.
On the women’s front, Sheila Chepkirui from Kenya celebrated her inaugural major marathon title, completing the race in 2:24:35 and outpacing defending champion Hellen Obiri in a nail-biting final dash. Vivian Cheruiyot rounded out an all-Kenyan podium with her third-place finish, further solidifying Kenya’s dominance in women’s distance running.
This year, the marathon attracted over 50,000 participants, with the refreshing 40-degree weather creating ideal racing conditions. Conner Mantz led the American men’s efforts, finishing sixth in 2:09:00, while Sara Vaughn claimed a commendable sixth place among American women with a time of 2:26:56.
The wheelchair races did not disappoint either, with significant victories for American athletes: Daniel Romanchuk reclaimed his title in 1:36:31, while Susannah Scaroni topped her competitors by a staggering margin of over ten minutes.
As he crossed the finish line, emotions surged through Nageeye, and tears of joy brimmed in his eyes. “I thought I was dreaming,” he admitted, realizing the enormity of his accomplishment. “Nobody believed I could do this—not even the favorites. I wasn’t even in the top five. But deep down, I knew my potential.”
With this prestigious win at the New York City Marathon added to his accolades, Nageeye, a former Olympic silver medalist, continues to shine brightly in the world of athletics, complementing his earlier victory at the Rotterdam Marathon this year.
Edited by: Ali Musa
alimusa@axadletimes.com
Axadle international–Monitoring
