Jepchirchir, Obiri, and Lokedi to Headline TCS New York City Marathon

Top-tier athletes, including Letesenbet Gidey, Peres Jepchirchir, Brigid Kosgei, Sharon Lokedi, and Hellen Obiri, are set to headline the upcoming TCS New York City Marathon.

The renowned event, holding a World Athletics Platinum Label, promises an intense clash among some of the sport’s finest athletes, all vying for significant victories.

In the men’s category, Tamirat Tola will compete against strong contenders like Shura Kitata, Albert Korir, Cam Levins, Abdi Nageeye, and Maru Teferi.

Sharon Lokedi, having triumphed in her marathon debut at New York last year with a timing of 2:23:23, returns to defend her title. Despite her previous success, the lineup of formidable opponents guarantees a challenging race.

Expressing her determination, Lokedi remarked, “Last year, I exceeded my expectations by clinching the title. This year, I return with a new mindset, eager to defend my championship against the world’s fastest women.”

The women’s field boasts stellar competitors, such as former world record-holder Brigid Kosgei, Olympic champion Peres Jepchirchir, Boston Marathon winner Hellen Obiri, and Letesenbet Gidey, the record-holder for 10,000m and half marathon with a remarkable 2:16:49 timing set in Valencia last year.

Kosgei, who previously held the world record with a time of 2:14:04 in Chicago, makes her highly anticipated New York debut.

Meanwhile, Jepchirchir, a consistent performer in marathons, recently secured victory in Boston and retained her world half marathon title in Riga. Her participation might be influenced by a minor calf issue encountered during training.

Hellen Obiri, who finished sixth in her New York marathon debut last year, achieved victory in Boston. Gidey, despite her spectacular marathon debut in Valencia, faced disappointment at the World Cross Country Championships due to a fall. She returned to secure a podium finish at the World Championships in Budapest.

Joining this impressive lineup are Kenya’s two-time world champion Edna Kiplagat, Mary Ngugi-Cooper, Viola Cheptoo, Molly Huddle, and Kellyn Taylor from the USA, among others. Their participation underscores the competitive and diverse nature of the race.

On the men’s side, Tola leads the field with an impressive personal best of 2:03:39. Ethiopia’s Kitata and Dutch record-holder Nageeye, among others, are determined to challenge Tola for the coveted title. The event is expected to be fiercely competitive, with the top runners aiming for a standout performance.

The women’s elite entries include:

Brigid Kosgei (KEN) 2:14:04
Letesenbet Gidey (ETH) 2:16:49
Peres Jepchirchir (KEN) 2:17:16
Edna Kiplagat (KEN) 2:19:50
Mary Ngugi-Cooper (KEN) 2:20:22
Hellen Obiri (KEN) 2:21:38
Viola Cheptoo (KEN) 2:22:44
Sharon Lokedi (KEN) 2:23:23
Kellyn Taylor (USA) 2:24:29
And other notable athletes.
For the men’s elite entries, athletes include:

Tamirat Tola (ETH) 2:03:39
Shura Kitata (ETH) 2:04:49
Abdi Nageeye (NED) 2:04:56
Cam Levins (CAN) 2:05:36
Maru Teferi (ISR) 2:06:43
And other competitive athletes from around the world.
The TCS New York City Marathon, renowned for its challenging course and stacked competition, promises an electrifying event as athletes aim to claim victory in one of the sport’s most prestigious races.