Obiri eyes third New York City marathon win as Kipruto aims to defend title

In a bid to secure their third consecutive New York City marathon title, Kenyan runners Hellen Obiri and Benson Kipruto will lace up for the 56th edition on Sunday evening Kenyan time. Kipruto will face a formidable lineup of competitors, including Geoffrey Kamworor from Kenya, Deresa Geleta and Cyprian Kotut from Ethiopia, and Edward Cheserek, all of whom have previously claimed victory in the race.

Kipruto's triumph in 2023 marked him as the first athlete since the Majors began to triumph in all three US races. If he follows up this success, he will become the first individual to achieve a back-to-back win in New York since Geoffrey Mutai in 2013. Obiri, who set a women's course record of 2:19:51 in last year's marathon, will face stiff competition from the reigning champion Sheila Chepkirui, former world champion Gotytom Gebreslase of Ethiopia, Viola Cheptoo, and veteran Edna Kiplagat, both hailing from Kenya.

Obiri aims to equal the remarkable three-peat of Grete Waitz, Mary Keitany, and Paula Radcliffe in this grueling marathon, showcasing the enduring legacy of these legendary runners.