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New York (AFP) – Kenyan athletes Albert Korir, the current champion, and Evans Chebet aspire to a victory on Sunday in the New York marathon that completes an unprecedented glimpse of the African country in the big events of the year.
The 42.195 kilometer run through the streets of the ‘Big Apple’ will bring the curtain down on the season of the world’s six largest marathons, hitherto completely dominated by Kenyan athletes in the male branch.
Marathon runners from the African country have won each of the top five main races: Eliud Kipchoge in Tokyo and Berlin, Amos Kipruto in London and Benson Kipruto in Chicago.
Chebet, meanwhile, won the Boston Marathon in April, meaning a 33-year-old marathon runner or Korir win on Sunday in New York would complete Kenya’s men’s marathon calendar.
So far, no country has caught up with it since the world marathon circuit was expanded to six races in 2013 with the entry of Tokyo.
Korir, 28, arrived in New York determined to defend his 2021 title after a rally in which he ran up to 124 miles (200km) per week.
“I came to defend my title,” he said. “I have confidence and I think I am well prepared, but I will have to fight because everyone comes here to win.”
Weather could be a problem for Korir as New York is expected to enjoy temperatures of around 23 degrees Celsius on Sunday, which is unusually warm for this time of year.
“I don’t like the heat,” Korir pointed out. “But we can’t do anything against the clock. We’ll have to hydrate and drink more water.”
Korir and Chebet await a group of rivals determined to prevent the feat of Kenyan athletics. These include the Ethiopian Shura Kitata, runner-up in 2018, and the Dutch Abdi Nageeye, Olympic silver medalist.
jepchirchir absent
Kenyan Peres Jepchirchir, who became the first Olympic champion to triumph in New York last year, will also not compete in the women’s event.
That edition, with around 30,000 participants, marked the return of the famous race after the 2020 cancellation due to the covid-19 pandemic.
Jepchirchir’s retirement leaves his compatriot Hellen Obiri and world champion Gotytom Gebreslase of Ethiopia as firm favorites.
Obiri, 32, is running her first marathon after a brilliant track career, including consecutive gold medals in the 5,000m at the 2017 and 2019 World Championships.
“I know New York is a tough path, but I hope my track, road and cross-country experience will help me with the ups and downs,” said Obiri. “It’s my first marathon, I’m training well and I can’t wait to give my best”.
© 2022 AFP
