Kenyan long-distance sensation Hellen Obiri has pledged to replicate the brilliant performance that helped her win the 2023 New York Marathon when she returns to the American city on November 3 to defend her title.
Last year, she emerged victorious, smashing the tape in 2:27:23 after a last-minute surge of speed at the 26-mile point in Central Park.
The Kenya Defence Forces officer stunned the reigning champion Sharon Lokedi - her compatriot - who finished third in 2:27:33, behind Ethiopia's Letesenbet Gidey (2:27:29).
Obiri, a three-time World Marathon Majors winner, has dominated the 42-kilometer race since moving to it.
Before completing her incredible feat with the Boston Marathon title in April, she dominated the 2022 Boston Marathon and cruised to victory in the 2023 New York Marathon.
She returns to Central Park with sights firmly trained on striking a double.
"There is no place like New York, and I am ready to defend my title on what has become one of my favourite days of the year," Obiri told the Star.
"I hope I can have another good day that sees me in contention once we enter the final stages in Central Park. I have been racing very well on American roads," she added.
Earlier this month, Obiri finished the demanding marathon course in Paris, France, earning a bronze medal at the Olympics.
She is prepared to repel a fierce challenge from Lokedi, the Olympic fourth-place finisher from Paris.
Lokedi won the 2022 edition of the event in her marathon debut and was the runner-up at the 2024 Boston Marathon.
Among the competitors are Edna Kiplagat, four-time Olympic medallist Vivian Cheruiyot, and Sheila Chepkirui, who holds the field's fastest personal best.
Tirunesh Dibaba, an Ethiopian long-distance runner, among the best in the world, makes her debut at the NYC Marathon.
