Andreas Almgren chose New York for his marathon debut after watching the race a year earlier, VnExpress reported through AP. He won on November 1 in 2:06:01, finishing 13 seconds ahead of Yemaneberhan Crippa.
A course that rewards racing decisions
New York crosses five boroughs, with bridges creating climbs and descents before the Central Park finish. The elite race has no professional pacers, leaving contenders to manage their own rhythm and respond to rivals.
VnExpress argues that positioning and changes of speed gain importance in those circumstances. Comparisons with flatter courses need to account for conditions and tactics as well as terrain.
Almgren began in the 800 metres before moving to longer distances. The analysis links that finishing-speed background to opportunities late in a tactical race.
Splits illustrate the approach
Citing Run247, VnExpress gives his first half as 1:04:04 and second as 1:01:57. The second was therefore 2:07 faster, illustrating an accelerating race rather than an evenly paced effort.
Almgren recalled feeling tired around 32 kilometres and being uncertain what a first marathon should feel like. With approximately five kilometres remaining, his ability to respond to surges increased his confidence.
He separated from Yemaneberhan Crippa with about 800 metres left. VnExpress, citing AP, also recalled his work in financial risk analysis and sports data science. After injury ruled him out of Paris 2024, he left work to focus on running and coach himself. His future race choices will show how he develops from the debut.