New York, USA – The highly anticipated TCS New York City Marathon is set to witness an intense clash between Kenya’s top female athletes. Letesenbet Gidey, Peres Jepchirchir, Brigid Kosgei, Sharon Lokedi, and Hellen Obiri headline the stacked women’s field in this prestigious World Athletics Platinum Label road race on Sunday.
The showdown promises to be an electrifying event as these legendary athletes compete for yet another major victory. On the men’s side, Tamirat Tola, Shura Kitata, Albert Korir, Cam Levins, Abdi Nageeye, and Maru Teferi will battle it out for the top spot.
Defending champion Sharon Lokedi from Kenya made a stunning debut in the New York City Marathon last year, triumphing in an impressive time of 2:23:23. However, with the fierce competition she faces this year, Lokedi knows that defending her title will be no easy task.
Reflecting on her victory, Lokedi expressed her excitement for this year’s race, stating, “Last year, I exceeded my own expectations at the TCS New York City Marathon. This time, I come with a different mindset, eager to defend my title against the fastest women in the world.”
The field of elite women includes former world record-holder Brigid Kosgei, Olympic champion Peres Jepchirchir, Boston Marathon winner Hellen Obiri, and Letesenbet Gidey, who holds the world record for the 10,000m and half marathon. Gidey recorded an impressive time of 2:16:49 last year in Valencia.
Brigid Kosgei, who claimed victory in Chicago, London, and Tokyo marathons, is set to make her New York debut. Her time of 2:14:04 in Chicago remained the world record until recently and she currently sits third on the world all-time list. After dropping out of the London Marathon in April, Kosgei is eager to showcase her talent on the challenging course in New York.
Peres Jepchirchir, the reigning Boston Marathon champion, achieved her most recent marathon victory in April 2022. She also retained her world half marathon title in Riga. However, she recently experienced a calf issue during training, and her participation in the race will be decided closer to the event.
Hellen Obiri, a two-time world 5000m champion, finished sixth in her marathon debut in New York last year. She went on to win in Boston and is determined to use her experience to her advantage. Obiri confidently stated, “I’m coming to New York this year with more confidence and the aim of securing a title.”
Letesenbet Gidey, who stunned the world with her record-breaking marathon debut time of 2:16:49 in Valencia, relentlessly pursues victory. Despite a fall at the World Cross Country Championships, she bounced back to claim silver in the 10,000m at the World Championships in Budapest. Now, Gidey has her sights set on triumphing in New York.
These five outstanding athletes will face additional competition from the likes of Edna Kiplagat, Mary Ngugi-Cooper, Viola Cheptoo, Molly Huddle, and Kellyn Taylor. The men’s field will also feature top contenders such as Tamirat Tola, Shura Kitata, Albert Korir, and Abdi Nageeye.
Tamirat Tola boasts the fastest time among the men, with a personal best of 2:03:39 recorded in Amsterdam in 2021. Although New York’s course is known for its challenges, Tola has proven himself on this terrain with fourth-place finishes in 2018 and 2019.
Shura Kitata, a previous New York runner-up, aims to improve on his second-place finishes from last year and 2018. Albert Korir, the 2021 champion, is also determined to reclaim the title. Abdi Nageeye, the Dutch record-holder, secured third place in last year’s New York Marathon.
As the TCS New York City Marathon approaches, the excitement is palpable. The world’s finest athletes are ready to push their limits, seizing every opportunity to prove themselves against formidable competition on the famous New York streets. Don’t miss this incredible display of athleticism and determination.
