According to an article in Runner's World (which follows), big things are in store for the New York City Marathon:
"Shalene Flanagan, the defending New York City Marathon champion is going to have plenty of company through the five boroughs on November 4.
Flanagan, 37, who last year (with a fist pump and an jubilant expletive) became the first American woman to win the New York City Marathon in 40 years, will be joined by Molly Huddle, New York Road Runners announced on Tuesday. The 33-year-old placed third in her 26.2-mile debut in New York in 2016 and is the American record holder for 10,000 meters (30:13.17) and the half marathon (1:07:25).
Also previously announced is Desiree Linden, 35, who is the reigning Boston Marathon champion—the first American to win in 33 years.
And while the American talent is deep, the international athletes will give them a run for the money (which is $100,000 for first place). Mary Keitany of Kenya, who was runner up in 2017 and won the previous three years, is returning. She is also the women’s-only world record holder at the distance in 2:17:01. Vivian Cheruiyot of Kenya, who won the 2018 London Marathon, and Mamitu Daska from Ethiopia, third-place finisher at the 2017 New York City Marathon, are also scheduled to compete.
In all, the field includes 10 Olympians and three World Marathon Majors champions. About half of the professional athletes are Americans. The U.S. list includes Sally Kipyego, who placed second at the race in 2016 and is competing as an American for the first time in her career in New York (she is the 2012 Olympic silver medalist in the 10,000 meters representing Kenya).
Stephanie Bruce, who won her first U.S. championship title in July at the Peachtree Road Race 10K, and Aliphine Tuliamuk, who holds nine national road racing titles, are also lining up, as well as Sarah Sellers, the surprise runner-up in April at the 2018 Boston Marathon.
Allie Kieffer, 30, is returning this year as well. She enjoyed a major breakthrough at the race last year by placing fifth in 2:29:39, a 26-minute personal best time.
Flanagan, a four-time Olympian and 2008 silver medalist in the 10,000 meters, has toyed with the idea of retirement for the past year, but her legs have had other plans, carrying her to some of the best training cycles and the most celebrated performance of her career. She most recently helped pace Shelby Houlihan, her Bowerman Track Club teammate, to an American record in the 5,000 meters (14:34.45).
“When I think about returning to race in New York City, I’m flooded with magical memories. My heart skips a beat, I get butterflies in my stomach, and my palms get sweaty,” Flanagan said, in a written statement. “New York City is incredibly special to me.”
The win last year was one of many major breakthroughs for U.S. women’s distance running. Linden, a two-time Olympian, added to that list in April.
“Breaking the tape at this year’s Boston Marathon was a lifelong dream come true,” Linden, 35, said, in a written statement. “At the moment, it felt like it was the culmination of my career, but I believe I still have plenty more to give to the marathon.”
NYRR also announced that Geoffrey Kamworor, 25, of Kenya, is racing for at the New York City Marathon for a second victory. He won last year with a 4:31 penultimate mile, holding off Wilson Kipsang in Central Park."
There are no comments
Please login to post comments