Ethiopia's Tamirat Tola set a new course record at the 2023 New York City Marathon on Sunday, finishing the race in an impressive 2 hours, 4 minutes, and 58 seconds. Tola beat the previous record set by Geoffrey Mutai in 2011, solidifying his place as the new champion of the men's race. Tola's victory was not without competition, as he had to pull away from fellow Ethiopian Jemal Yimer during mile 20 in the Bronx. By the time Tola reentered Manhattan, he had built a comfortable lead of 19 seconds, putting him on track to chase Mutai's record.

In the women's race, Hellen Obiri of Kenya emerged as the champion, pulling away from her competitors in the final 400 meters. Letesenbet Gidey of Ethiopia and defending champion Sharon Lokedi were in contention for the title, with all three runners exchanging the lead throughout the race. However, Obiri made a decisive move as they entered Central Park for the final half-mile, ultimately crossing the finish line in 2 hours, 27 minutes, and 23 seconds. Gidey finished in second place, just 6 seconds behind Obiri, while Lokedi trailed by 10 seconds. This year's women's field was anticipated to potentially break the course record set by Margaret Okayo in 2003, but the tactical race resulted in slower times.

Unlike last year's unseasonably warm temperatures, this year's race had ideal conditions with temperatures in the 50s. This favorable weather allowed for the possibility of record-breaking times and created an optimal environment for the 50,000 runners participating in the marathon. The women's race began with a group of 11 runners, including Americans Kellyn Taylor and Molly Huddle, leading the pack for the first 20 miles. Taylor and Huddle took turns leading before eventually falling back and finishing in eighth and ninth place, respectively. As the lead group reentered Manhattan for the final miles, Obiri, Gidey, and Lokedi pushed the pace, distancing themselves from fourth-place finisher Brigid Kosgei of Kenya.

In the wheelchair races, Marcel Hug of Switzerland and Catherine Debrunner, also of Switzerland, emerged as the champions. Hug secured his sixth victory at the NYC Marathon, narrowly missing his own course record by finishing in 1 hour, 25 minutes, and 29 seconds. Debrunner made her New York debut and shattered the previous course record in the women's wheelchair race, finishing in 1 hour, 39 minutes, and 32 seconds. Both Hug and Debrunner were awarded a $50,000 bonus for surpassing the previous records.

Additionally, the New York City Marathon served as the U.S. Paralympic Trials, with the top two American finishers in the men's and women's wheelchair races earning qualification for the 2024 Paris Games. Daniel Romanchuk and Aaron Pike secured their spots for the men, while Susannah Scaroni and Tatyana McFadden qualified on the women's side.

The heightened security measures implemented by the New York Police Department were in place to ensure the safety of participants and spectators. Despite tensions rising globally and protests in the city in recent weeks, there were no credible or specific threats to the marathon or the city. The NYPD Commissioner, Edward Caban, emphasized the comprehensive security plan put in place to ensure a safe event.

The 2023 New York City Marathon showcased outstanding performances and exciting finishes, solidifying its reputation as one of the most prestigious and challenging marathons in the world.