Kenyan road race runners had an excellent outing in the 2024 New York City Marathon that was held on Sunday, November 3.
One-time African Championships 5000m gold medalist Sheila Chepkirui led her compatriots to a clean podium sweep in the women’s category.
Chepkirui ran shoulder to shoulder with the defending champion Hellen Obiri in the final stages of the race before breaking away with a few meters to go.
The 33-year-old cut the tape in 2:24:35 with Obiri crossing the finishing line in 2:24:49 to settle for second as Vivian Cheruiyot clocked 2:25:21 to finish third in the difficult weather conditions.
“This means a lot to me,” Chepkirui said. “It means my training has been good and I’m so happy.
“I had to dig deep. Towards the last, one mile, it was really hard, but I pushed myself to the limit.”
In the men’s category, Netherland’s Abdi Nageeye ran a tactical race to pip Kenyans to the prestigious title.
Nageeye, who trains in Kenya, produced a strong kick with less than 600m remaining to the end of the race.
As he approached the finishing line, Nageeye raised his arms up to thank God for the incredible performance.
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He went on to cross the finishing line in 2:07:39 and in the process became the first ever Dutch runner to win the New York City Marathon’s pro division.
The victory was also special for the Somali-born athlete since it was the first ever Abbott World Marathon Majors win of his career.
Chebet, who is a multiple Boston Marathon winner, clocked 2:07:45 to settle for second ahead of his fellow countryman Albert Korir, who crossed the finishing line in 2:08:00.
The fourth and fifth position went to the Paris Olympic champion Tamirat Tola (2:08:12) of Ethiopia and Eliud Kipchoge’s training mate Geoffrey Kamworor (2:08:50).
Chepkirui and Nageeye will each pocket $100,000 (approximately Ksh 12,882,777) for winning the coveted titles with the other top performers also expected to be receive monetary awards.
Sheila Chepkirui leads Kenyan podium sweep
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