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The New York City Marathon is set to be a thrilling event, particularly with the participation of Eliud Kipchoge, the renowned Kenyan runner. Kipchoge, celebrated for his long-distance achievements, will compete for the first time in this iconic race. His performance on challenging courses has raised questions among fans and analysts.
This marathon holds significance not just for Kipchoge, but also marks the culmination of the World Marathon Majors series for the year. He will be joined by elite athletes such as Dutch star Sifan Hassan and defending champion Abdi Nageeye, each bringing their own ambitions to the streets of New York.
The challenge of hilly terrain
While Kipchoge has dominated marathons globally, his record on courses with notable elevation changes is less impressive. The New York Marathon is known for its challenging hills, especially in the early stages. This aspect could test Kipchoge’s strengths and reveal any weaknesses in his racing strategy.
Kipchoge’s unique preparation
Despite the pressures of his first New York appearance, Kipchoge remains focused on his objectives. He aims to join the ranks of those who achieve personal bests on this demanding course. In an interview, he expressed his enthusiasm: “I felt that I want to be among the big crowd of runners that break their records in the best course ever,” indicating his readiness for the challenge ahead.
Kipchoge’s participation also marks a departure from his typical racing schedule. He usually competes in only two marathons each year, but this time he is set to run three, showcasing his commitment to personal goals beyond merely defending his title as one of the greatest marathoners.
A competitive field
The competition at the New York City Marathon will be intense. Kipchoge faces not only Nageeye but also former champions like Evans Chebet and Albert Korir, both of whom have previously achieved victory in New York. This diverse and talented field adds to the excitement, as each athlete is eager to demonstrate their abilities.
Hassan’s pursuit of excellence
On the women’s side, Sifan Hassan seeks to solidify her status as a marathon star. Following a remarkable performance in Sydney, where she clocked an impressive 2:20, Hassan will compete against formidable Kenyan runners, including Hellen Obiri and Sharon Lokedi. Each of these athletes has won in New York before, making the women’s race equally thrilling.
Hassan has openly discussed her pre-race nerves, attributing them to her deep commitment to the sport. “The fear shows that I care about that thing,” she remarked, indicating that her anxiety reflects her dedication to securing a victory.
Race day logistics
On marathon day, over 55,000 participants will gather to tackle the course through New York City’s five boroughs. The race begins at Staten Island at 8:00 a.m. with wheelchair competitors, followed by elite runners starting at 9:05 a.m. Spectators can expect an exhilarating atmosphere as the athletes embark on their journey toward Central Park.
Viewers across the United States and internationally can follow the action on various networks, including ESPN2 and ABC7. This extensive coverage ensures that fans around the world can witness the unfolding drama of the marathon.
This marathon holds significance not just for Kipchoge, but also marks the culmination of the World Marathon Majors series for the year. He will be joined by elite athletes such as Dutch star Sifan Hassan and defending champion Abdi Nageeye, each bringing their own ambitions to the streets of New York.0