The New York Marathon will be an extremely tough event. The best in the sport have confirmed their participation. Reigning champion Sharon Lokedi, Boston Marathon winner Hellen Obiri, Olympic champion Peres Jepchirchir and 42.195 km world record holder Brigid Kosgei will all be taking part.
The New York Marathon is set to welcome a great crowd.And fans will be treated to a very strong field. There may even be a 100% Kenyan podium. Defending champion Sharon Lokedi will be defending her crown. The Kenyan is determined to win for the second time in a row. Last year, I took part in the TCS New York Marathon with the aim of being at the heart of the race, and the result was better than I could have hoped for," says Lokedi. This year, I'm coming back with a different mindset, eager to defend my title and race against the fastest women in the world".
But beware, the competition will be very tough. Brigid Kosgei, record holder for the 42.195 km (2h14mn04s) will also be taking part.Kosgei is taking part in the New York Marathon for the first time. Winner of the Chicago, London and Tokyo marathons, Kosgei is in search of a 4th victory. "I'm very happy to be making my New York debut this fall and trying to win my fourth different major," said Kosgei. I'm not worried about the course, as I've had success in hilly marathons before, but New York has always been a head-to-head competition, and I know I need to be in the best possible shape to compete with the other women.
Peres Jepchichir with a vengeance
Ah yes. We'll even have to outdo ourselves. Hellen Obiri, double world champion and Boston Marathon winner, is brimming with confidence."With a year of marathon experience now under my belt, a win in Boston and my move to the USA, I'm coming to New York this year with more confidence and in the hunt for a title," she said.
With a sense of revenge, Peres Jepchichir will be looking to redeem herself, having missed out on a second straight victory at the New York marathon last year. "I was so disappointed not to have been able to defend my title in New York last year due to injury, and winning again in Central Park has been my main motivation as I begin my preparations for the autumn," exclaimed the two-time 42.195 km Olympic champion. See you on November 5.
