Kenya’s Hellen Obiri held off Ethiopia’s Letsenbet Gidey to win the women’s race at the New York Marathon on Sunday.

Making her third appearance over the marathon, Obiri was up against a formidable line up to be assembled in a marathon race in recent memory.

In her return to the streets of New York where she finished sixth in her debut last season, Obiri claimed victory with a sprint finish to clock 2:27:23 six seconds ahead of her track foe Gidey who finished second.

Defending champion Sharon Lokedi settled for third in 2:27:33.

 “The crowd was amazing they were really shouting and showing their support which really pushed me in the race.

“I knew the ladies were very strong with the likes of Lokedi and Gidey and that is why I was patient. With my track experience I said I woild make a move with 400m or 200m to go and that is how I won,” said Obiri.

Kenyan quartet of Brigid Kosgei (2:27:45), Mary Ngugi (2:27:53), Viola Cheptoo (2:28:11) and Edna Kiplagat (2:29:40) placed fourth to seventh respectively.

In the men’s race, Ethiopia’s Tamirat Tola claimed victory in 2:04:58 with Kenya’s Albert Korir finishing second 2:06:57

New York City Marathon was the sixth and final leg of the World Marathon Majors series