No rest for Hellen Obiri and Tamirat Tola as they look to defend their New York City Marathon titles

Days after being impressive at the Paris Olympics marathon, Hellen Obiri and Tamirat Tola will immediately return to train as they gear up for a grueling task to defend their titles at the New York City Marathon.

The 2024 New York City Marathon yet again promises exciting match-ups from top athletes as defending champions Hellen Obiri and Tamirat Tola return with the main focus on defending their titles on Sunday, November 3.

The professional line-up remains historic as it will feature 14 past champions, 27 Olympians, and 19 Paralympians. As per the New York City marathon organizers, the field features 31 athletes from the just-concluded Paris Olympic Games.

Obiri is fresh from winning an Olympic bronze medal after conquering the grueling marathon course and she will be out to impress once she races in the streets of New York City. She has the much-needed confidence after beating a stacked field at the Olympic marathon where she finished third. In April, she became the first woman since 2005 to repeat as the Boston Marathon champion.

“There’s no place like New York, and I am so ready to defend my title on what has become one of my favorite days of the year,” said Obiri.

“I have been racing very well on the roads in the U.S., and I hope I can have another good day that sees me in contention once we enter the final stages in Central Park.”

Obiri will be challenged by compatriot Sharon Lokedi who finished fourth in the marathon at the Paris Olympic Games. Lokedi won the 2022 edition of the event in her marathon debut and was the runner-up at the 2024 Boston Marathon.

Edna Kiplagat, four-time Olympic medalist Vivian Cheruiyot, and Sheila Chepkirui, who owns the fastest personal best in the field will also be in the mix.

Ethiopia’s Tirunesh Dibaba makes her New York City Marathon debut and is one of the world’s most accomplished long-distance runners. She will be joined by Senbere Teferi.

Olympic champion Tola will be back to defend his title in the men’s race. Tola won the Olympic marathon in an Olympic-record time of 2:06:26. He also won marathon gold at the 2022 World Championships and silver at the 2017 world championships and goes into the race with the much-needed experience.

“I’m excited to defend my title in New York, especially coming off an Olympic-record marathon performance,” said Tola.

“The hilly course and crowds in Paris definitely prepared me well for the bridges and spectators in New York, where maybe I can go even faster this year.”

Belgium’s Bashir Abdi will be in the mix after winning a silver medal in the Paris 2024 Olympic marathon. The 2022 TCS New York City Marathon champion Evans Chebet, 2021 champion Albert Korir, 2019 and 2017 champion Geoffrey Kamworor, and 2024 United Airlines NYC Half champion Abel Kipchumba will also be in the mix, out to challenge the duo.

posted Tuesday August 20th
by Abigael Wafula