The men’s gold and women’s bronze marathon medallists from Paris 2024 will aim to retain their titles in the Big Apple
Tamirat Tola and Hellen Obiri lead the elite entries for the 2024 TCS New York Marathon (November 3), with the pair targeting even more success in the city after their plaudits at the Paris Olympics.
Both Tola and Obiri dazzled on the streets of New York last year, winning their first ever titles in the Big Apple.
Tola won the race in a course record of 2:04:58, bettering Geoffrey Mutai’s previous mark of 2:05:06 from 2011.
Obiri claimed her victory in equally impressive but different circumstances, beating the likes of Letesenbet Gidey, Sharon Lokedi and Brigid Kosgei.
No surprise then that Tola and Obiri starred in the Olympic marathon, with the former becoming Ethiopia’s first champion over 26.2 miles at the Games since Sydney 2000 and the latter adding bronze to her two 5000m silver medals.
“I’m excited to defend my title in New York, especially coming off an Olympic-record marathon performance,” said Tola. “The hilly course and crowds in Paris definitely prepared me well for the bridges and spectators in New York, where maybe I can go even faster this year.”
Obiri added: “There’s no place like New York, and I am so ready to defend my title on what has become one of my favourite days of the year. I have been racing very well on the roads in the US and I hope I can have another good day that sees me in contention once we enter the final stages in Central Park.”
For the pair to be back in New York just a few months after Olympic success is an enticing prospect for those who are lucky enough to watch in person.
However, both Tola and Obiri may not have it their own way in New York.
Tamirat Tola (Getty)
Bashir Abdi likely to lead charge in men’s field
Bashir Abdi could quite easily be Tola’s biggest challenger in New York.
The Belgian finished 21 seconds behind the Ethiopian in Paris and upgraded his bronze from Tokyo to silver in the French capital.
Given the hilly nature of both the Paris and New York courses, it may well end up being the same two battling it out for the win in the Big Apple.
Abdi is also the European record-holder with a best of 2:03:36 from Rotterdam three years ago.
Evans Chebet is the fastest man in the field with 2:03:00 and the 2022 New York City Marathon champion leads a myriad of Kenyans that includes 2021 winner Albert Korir, 2019 and 2017 victor Geoffrey Kamworor and this year’s NYC Half champion Abel Kipchumba.
The US challenge will be lead by Conner Mantz and Clayton Young, who finished eighth and ninth in the Olympic marathon respectively.
Callum Hawkins, who first appeared on the world marathon stage during his Olympic debut at Rio 2016 and ran 2:17:34 at London earlier this year, on return from injury, is down to race in New York.
Bashir Abdi (Getty)
Multiple New York champions in women’s division
Obiri will go into New York as the favourite but she will have a tough test to retain her crown.
The Olympic marathon bronze medallist beat Gidey by six seconds last year, producing an incredible last 400m to cross the finish line first.
This year Obiri faces a wealth of experience in the field and 2022 champion Sharon Lokedi – fourth placer at the Olympics and a runner-up in Boston back in March – will be one to watch.
Kenya have a strong delegation of athletes in both divisions and it includes 2010 champion Edna Kiplagat, four-time Olympic medallist Vivian Cheruiyot, and 2:17:2 runner Sheila Chepkirui.
Ethiopia’s Tirunesh Dibaba, who is a triple Olympic and an astonishing 16-time world medallist, makes her debut at the New York City Marathon.
The US attempts will be led by Dakotah Lindwurm, the highest placed American at the Olympics.
From a British perspective, Lily Partridge takes part in her third ever race over 26.2 miles, having already finished eighth and 21st at the 2018 London and 2023 Valencia Marathons respectively.
Sharon Lokedi and Evans Chebet (Getty)
Wheelchair races could be spectacular yet again
The wheelchair races in New York kick off things in style and expect no difference this year.
Marcel Hug will be the heavy favourite in the men’s field and is aiming for seventh heaven in the Big Apple, with the six-time winner having dominated the marathon landscape over the past few years.
He has a best of 1:15:33 – an incredible three minutes and four seconds that the next best competitor on the starting line.
“The TCS New York City Marathon marks the brilliant end of the year’s major marathons, and the city’s energy and the enthusiasm from the spectators are unmatched, driving me to give my all,” Hug said.
“On this challenging course, surrounded by strong competitors, I relish the opportunity to showcase what I’m made of and highlight the dynamism of our sport. It’s an unforgettable experience every time.”
Marcel Hug (Getty)
Britain’s David Weir and Johnboy Smith will no doubt be aiming for podium places, with the former showing no sign of stopping anytime soon at 45.
Eden Rainbow-Cooper will also be flying the flag in America once again and will aim to recreate her historic win at the Boston Marathon, where she became the first ever Brit to win the prestigious race.
Manuela Schär, Madison de Rozario, Tatyana McFadden and Susannah Scaroni will no doubt challenge Rainbow-Cooper for the win, in what is an incredibly strong field.
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