NEW YORK, Nov 2 — Sweden’s Andreas Almgren won the New York City Marathon, clocking 2hr 6min 1sec in a spectacular debut at the distance yesterday.

The 31-year-old Almgren, in the spotlight after setting a European half-marathon record in Copenhagen in September, powered through the final mile to capture the victory over Italian Yemaneberhan Crippa.

Kenyan Sheila Chepkirui won the women’s race for a second time, repelling the challenge of last year’s winner Hellen Obiri — who faded to finish third behind American Jessica McClain.

Almgren, who won his first international athletics title in August with 10,000m gold at the European Championships, ran comfortably in a large lead group that also included defending champion Benson Kipruto.