Running News Daily

World record holder Brigid Kosgei excited ahead of New York Marathon debut

Brigid is set to showcase her prowess in the New York Marathon as she joins an elite lineup of champions for an exhilarating head-to-head competition.

World marathon record holder Brigid Kosgei is all set to grace the grand stage of the New York Marathon for the very first time on Sunday 5 November.

The anticipation is palpable as she readies herself to compete against an elite field of fellow Kenyan athletes, including defending champion Sharon Lokedi, Peres Jepchichir, and Hellen Obiri. 

With an impressive track record in her arsenal, Kosgei is bubbling with excitement about the opportunity to add another Major title to her name.

The 29-year-old women's marathon world record holder is no stranger to pushing her limits. 

"I am not worried about the course, as I have had success in hilly marathons before," she remarks. 

Kosgei acknowledges the challenge posed by her fellow competitors and emphasizes the importance of being in peak form to vie for victory.

Last year's champion, Sharon Lokedi, made an impressive marathon debut by clocking a time of 2:23:23. 

Meanwhile, Hellen Obiri clinched victory at the Boston Marathon earlier this year in only her second attempt at the distance.

Peres Jepchichir, the reigning Olympic and 2021 New York City champion, boasts an unparalleled track record. Yet, it's Kosgei who stands out on paper with her astounding personal best of 2:14:04.

The upcoming New York Marathon is set to create history as the reigning champions from the TCS New York City Marathon, Boston Marathon, and Olympics, along with the world-record holder, line up in a thrilling face-off.

 The clash of titans promises an unforgettable race that will be etched in the annals of marathon history.

Hellen Obiri, a decorated athlete with two Olympic medals and seven individual world championships medals, stands as a testament to consistent excellence.

Her recent triumph at the Boston Marathon underscores her adaptability and prowess in tackling new challenges.

Jepchichir, on the other hand, boasts a unique feat of winning the Olympic marathon, TCS New York City Marathon, and Boston Marathon. 

With two world championships gold medals in the half marathon, she is a force to be reckoned with.

In the midst of these formidable competitors, Brigid Kosgei radiates determination. "I am very excited to make my New York City debut this fall, and attempt to win my fourth different Major."

Geoffrey Kamworor, a three-time half marathon world champion, arrives in Denmark for Copenhagen half marathon

Geoffrey Kamworor, a three-time half marathon world champion, is in the Danish capital to compete in Sunday’s CPH Half running event.

The three-time half marathon world champion will be at the front of the pack as 25,000 elite and amateur runners take to the streets of the city for Sunday’s sold-out 21.095-meter race.

In the women’s section, Peres Jepchichir, a 2016 World Half Marathon title winner and former world record holder, is likely to lead the field.

Established in 2015, Copenhagen’s half marathon – officially named CPH Half – has become an attractive proposition for elite runners due to its potential for logging a fast time.

The current women’s European record for the half marathon was set at the 2018 CPH Half, as Sifan Hassan of the Netherlands ran 1:05:11.

One of Kamworor’s own previous world championship wins came at the IAAF World Half Marathon Championships in Copenhagen in 2014.

Favorable climate and a flat course with few sharp bends are among the factors that can help leading athletes and hobby runners alike to aim for personal best times.

This weekend’s weather looks set to be dry with temperatures of around 16 degrees Celsius, according to DMI’s latest prognosis.

Moderate winds could add to the challenge for runners taking on the 21 kilometers through the city, however.

Weather conditions are unlikely to impact the race as badly as the infamous 2017 edition of the event, when a torrential downpour resulted in organizers being forced to close the race early, meaning many were unable to complete the distance.