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Formidable Female Contenders Eye New York City Marathon Record

by Ethan Kim
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New York City Marathon Record

This Sunday, the 20-year standing women’s record at the New York City Marathon may be challenged by an exceptionally competitive field, one of the most formidable in the event’s history.

Defending champion Sharon Lokedi is poised to vie for the top spot once again amidst an accomplished assembly of athletes, including Boston Marathon victor Hellen Obiri, Olympic gold medalist and winner of the 2021 New York Marathon Peres Jepchirchir, and Brigid Kosgei, who previously held the world record for the marathon distance.

Reflecting on her triumph last year, Lokedi conveyed the profound impact it had on her life and her enthusiasm for returning to the competition.

In a heartwarming addition to her support system, Lokedi’s mother has traveled all the way from Kenya to New York to witness her daughter at the finish line in Central Park.

A $50,000 incentive stands for anyone who can surpass the current marathon record of 2:22:31, set by Margaret Okayo in 2003. Obiri, coming off a Boston Marathon win in April with a personal best of 2:21:38, sees the strength in the collective field.

In her debut marathon last year, Lokedi captured the coveted title with a time of 2:23.23, breaking away in the last two miles of the race under unusually hot conditions for the season. The forecast for this year’s marathon predicts cooler temperatures around the high 50s, which should be more conducive for the runners.

The quartet of Kenyan runners all possess the credentials to triumph in this race. The presence of American contenders may be less notable this year, given the proximity of the U.S. Olympic marathon trials. Nonetheless, leading American marathoners Kellyn Taylor and Molly Huddle, both returning after motherhood in 2022, remain optimistic. Huddle notably secured third place at her marathon debut in the 2016 NYC Marathon.

“We’re part of a very robust lineup,” Taylor commented, acknowledging the impressive resumes of her competitors but also the unpredictable nature of the event.

The women’s marathon world record currently stands at 2:11:53, set by Ethiopia’s Tigist Assefa in Berlin in September.

While the men’s competition may lack some of the high-profile names seen on the women’s side, the race is still replete with intriguing possibilities. With the withdrawal of defending champion Evans Chebet and two-time winner Geoffrey Kamworor, the field has become more open.

Athletes like World Championship medalist Maru Teferi of Israel, Mosinet Geremew of Ethiopia, and 2021 New York Marathon winner Albert Korir are among the favorites. Additionally, the marathon newcomer Edward Cheserek, with a notable history in U.S. collegiate athletics, along with Ethiopia’s Tamirat Tola, aiming to build on his consistent performances, add to the depth of the competition.

Gateway to Paris

In addition to the marathon excitement, the event doubles as the U.S. Paralympic Trials for the 2024 Paris Games, with up to four wheelchair athletes poised to earn their spots.

The top two American finishers in both the men’s and women’s categories have the opportunity to qualify for the Paralympics, subject to achieving a set minimum time and a high enough ranking.

Susannah Scaroni is already well-positioned with the necessary time and ranking, expressing profound gratitude and ambition for securing one of those spots this Sunday.

Daniel Romanchuk, an eight-time major marathon winner, remains a key figure in the sport, only outpaced by Switzerland’s Marcel Hug.

Enhanced Security Measures

The NYPD has announced the implementation of rigorous security protocols for the marathon, taking into account global tensions.

Commissioner Edward Caban reassured the public that while there are no specific threats against the marathon or the city, comprehensive security plans will be in place. This announcement comes in the wake of recent protests in New York related to the Israel-Hamas conflict.

For further sports coverage, visit bigbignews.net/sports.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about New York City Marathon Record

Who is the defending champion of the New York City Marathon women’s category?

Sharon Lokedi is the defending champion of the New York City Marathon in the women’s category. She is returning this year to defend her title amidst a highly competitive field of elite runners.

Which top athletes are challenging for the New York City Marathon women’s record?

The field includes Boston Marathon champion Hellen Obiri, Olympic gold medalist and 2021 New York champion Peres Jepchirchir, and former marathon world-record holder Brigid Kosgei, all of whom are strong contenders for the women’s record.

What is the current New York City Marathon women’s record to beat?

The record to beat is 2:22:31, set by Margaret Okayo in 2003.

Is there a financial incentive for breaking the New York City Marathon women’s record?

Yes, there is a $50,000 bonus for any runner who can break the current New York City Marathon women’s record.

What are the expected weather conditions for the New York City Marathon, and how might they affect the race?

The expected weather conditions are high temperatures in the 50s, which are considerably cooler and more favorable for marathon running compared to the unseasonably warm temperatures of the previous year.

How will the U.S. Olympic marathon trials affect American participation in the New York City Marathon?

The proximity of the U.S. Olympic marathon trials may result in fewer American elite runners in contention for the New York City Marathon as they may be preparing for the trials instead.

Who are the top U.S. female runners participating in this year’s New York City Marathon?

Kellyn Taylor and Molly Huddle are the top U.S. female runners in the race, both of whom are returning to competition after giving birth in 2022.

What security measures are being implemented for the New York City Marathon?

The New York Police Department is implementing heightened security measures, ensuring a comprehensive security plan is in place despite no specific or credible threats being reported.

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5 comments

RunRickyRun November 4, 2023 - 3:41 pm

lokedi was great last year but with Kosgei and Obiri in the mix its anyone’s game, marathon running has never been this exciting imo

Reply
NYCJoe November 4, 2023 - 6:55 pm

gotta say the weather seems perfect for a marathon, those high 50s are going to make a huge difference, much better than last year’s scorcher

Reply
MarthaJ November 4, 2023 - 10:41 pm

oh wow another record could be broken this sunday, can’t wait to see if any of these amazing women runners can do it! Margaret Okayo’s record has been unbroken for so long

Reply
EliudFan November 5, 2023 - 4:00 am

it’s a shame about Chebet and Kamworor pulling out on the mens side though, was looking forward to seeing them compete

Reply
MarathonMama November 5, 2023 - 11:52 am

as a mom it’s so inspiring to see Kellyn Taylor and Molly Huddle back in it after having kids, shows you can come back strong

Reply

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