New York, Nov. 1, 2025 – New York Road Runners (NYRR), the nonprofit that “runs” New York City producing 60 annual adult and youth races including the TCS New York City Marathon, hosted more than 10,000 athletes for the sold-out Abbott Dash to the Finish Line 5K today in Central Park. The tradition, which has taken place since 2010, gives runners from around the world the opportunity to cross the iconic TCS New York City Marathon finish line a day before more than 55,000 do.

The morning was headlined by the professional athlete races featuring six Olympians and six national champions. Amon Kemboi, who won the 2025 Falmouth Road Race in August, broke the tape in his event debut, while two-time champion Annie Rodenfels captured her third consecutive title.

Kemboi, the third-place finisher at the 2024 New Balance 5th Avenue Mile, outlasted five-time All American Cole Sprout and Anthony Rotich, the 2019 Abbott Dash to the Finish Line 5K champion, and kicked to the finish line in 13:50. The top three men were separated by a slim margin of two seconds, with Sprout crossing the line in 13:51, followed closely by Rotich in 13:52.

“There’s been some discussion about [me transitioning] to the roads,” Kemboi said after the race. “Next year maybe I’ll still [compete] on the track and [will be] mixing it up on the roads. Eventually I want to run a marathon [and] maybe I’ll start in New York.”

The women’s race also came down to a sprint finish, with three-time national champion Rodenfels successfully defending her title in 15:33, also edging out her competitors by two seconds. American half-marathon record-holder Weini Kelati, who won the 2021 and 2022 editions of the Abbott Dash to the Finish Line 5K, claimed second place in 15:34, while World Indoor champion Elle St. Pierre, making her return to racing after giving birth in May, finished third in 15:35.

“You get to be here in New York City on marathon weekend…the feeling is amazing,” Rodenfels said. “It’s so fun to be here and be a part of something bigger where so much of the running community is.”

The first athletes to cross the finish line were kids ages 13 to 18 competing in the 2025 USATF National Youth 5K Championships. Charlize-Trinity McKenzie of Wisconsin and Vidal Macchia of New York finished as the top boy and girl, winning the youth national titles in 17:55 and 16:35, respectively.

Among the 10,000+ finishers were race directors and CEOs from all seven Abbott World Marathon Majors—New York, Boston, Chicago, London, Berlin, Tokyo, and Sydney—as well as notable runners including Oliver and James Phelps, known for playing George and Fred Weasley in the Harry Potter film adaptions, and DJ John Summit, who ran with Strava.

Abbott, the title sponsor of the Abbott World Marathon Majors, sponsored the Abbott Dash to the Finish Line 5K for the ninth year. Abbott, a global healthcare leader, helps people live more fully with life-changing technology and celebrate what’s possible with good health.

The Abbott Dash to the Finish Line 5K course begins on Manhattan’s east side by the United Nations, then takes runners along 42nd Street past historic Grand Central Terminal and up Sixth Avenue past the world-famous Radio City Music Hall. After tackling the rolling hills of Central Park, athletes end the race at the iconic TCS New York City Marathon finish line.

Taking place Sunday, Nov. 2, the TCS New York City Marathon is one of the most inclusive and accessible sporting events in the world, with more than 55,000 athletes running the same course on the same day—from the first to the final finisher—and two million spectators lining the streets of New York City. Last year’s race set an event record with 55,642 finishers, which at the time was the largest marathon in world history.

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About New York Road Runners (NYRR)

A New York City-based nonprofit, New York Road Runners’ vision is to build healthier lives and stronger communities through the transformative power of running – serving nearly a half a million people annually through its races, free community events, youth running initiatives, and school-based programs across the five boroughs. During its nearly 70 years, New York Road Runners has grown from a local running club to the world’s premier community running organization, producing more than 60 adult and youth races each year, including the TCS New York City Marathon. Held the first Sunday each November, the TCS New York City Marathon features more than 50,000 runners—from the world’s best professional athletes to a vast range of runners across experience levels, ages, genders, abilities, and backgrounds. To learn more, visit www.nyrr.org.