Kenya’s Edwin Kurgat is determined to bounce back from his Tokyo disappointment as he lines up for the New York Dash to the Finish 5K on Saturday — the traditional curtain-raiser for the New York City Marathon on Sunday.
The 2023 Boston 10K runner-up endured a difficult outing at the Tokyo World Championships, finishing seventh in the men’s 10,000m final in 28:57.83. His goal had been to end Kenya’s 24-year gold medal drought in the event — last conquered by Charles Kamathi at the 2001 World Championships in Edmonton.
The Tokyo race saw a thrilling sprint finish with France’s Jimmy Gressier (28:55.77) taking gold, followed by Ethiopia’s Yomif Kejelcha (28:55.83) and Sweden’s Andreas Almgren (28:56.02).
Road to Redemption in New York
After a turbulent 2025 season, Kurgat is looking for redemption on the streets of Manhattan. Though best known for his track performances, the 28-year-old’s road racing résumé remains relatively brief. His previous 5K attempt came at the 2023 Boston 5K, where he clocked 13:27 to finish third behind Morgan Beadlescomb (13:25) and Benjamin Flanagan (13:26).
Over the 10K distance, Kurgat’s most notable performance was his second-place finish at the 2023 Boston 10K in 28:01, trailing Tanzania’s Gabriel Geay (27:49). He also placed fourth at the Cape Elizabeth 10K (28:15) behind Ethiopia’s Addisu Yihune, American Conner Mantz, and compatriot Muktar Edris.
Mixed 2025 Season
This season has produced both highs and lows for the Kenyan. Kurgat posted respectable times in major international meets:
- 5th at the Doha Diamond League (13:19.32, 5000m)
- 6th at the Philadelphia Grand Slam (8:04.18, 3000m)
- 4th at the Prefontaine Classic (26:46.35, 10,000m)
- 6th at the Lausanne Diamond League (13:09.91, 5000m)
Kenyan Depth in New York Field
Kurgat won’t be alone in his quest. Fellow Kenyan Amon Kemboi joins the New York 5K lineup, aiming for another podium finish after taking third in the 2025 Boston 5K (13:37) behind Eritrea’s Dawit Seare (13:33) and Britain’s Patrick Dever (13:35).
Another compatriot, Patrick Kiptoo, also features after a third-place finish at the Chicago Half Marathon (1:01:19) earlier this year.
Adding international depth to the field are Briton Adam Fogg and a strong American contingent featuring Ryan Fowkes, Abdihamid Nur, Cole Sprout, and Drew Bosley.
Final Push of the Season
As the 2025 racing calendar nears its close, Kurgat hopes to end the year with a statement performance in New York — a race that could set the tone for his 2026 ambitions.
“I’ve learned from Tokyo. New York is about running free and finishing strong,” Kurgat said ahead of the race.
With redemption on his mind and a point to prove, the Kenyan star will look to remind the world why he remains one of the most consistent distance runners of his generation.