Geoffrey Kamworor of Kenya crosses the finish line to win a previous race
NEW YORK, United States, Aug 15 – Reigning New York City Marathon champion Geoffrey Kamworor will defend his title at the IAAF Gold Label road race on Sunday November 4, the organizers announced on Wednesday.
At last year’s race, Kamworor claimed his first major marathon victory after holding on compatriot Wilson Kipsang down the final turn to win. The 2015 runner-up separated himself from the field with a 4:31 penultimate mile to finish in 2:10:53.
The Kenyan has won the past three IAAF World Half Marathon Championships and recorded three consecutive sub-2:07 performances at the Berlin Marathon from 2012-2014, with his 2:06:12 clocking from 2012 remaining his personal best.
“Racing once more in the New York City Marathon means so much to me,” said the three-time world cross-country champion. “It is my favourite race, and although thousands of miles separate my training base in Kaptagat, Kenya to New York, the event feels like home.”
Meanwhile, reigning women’s champion Shalane Flanagan who became the first US woman to win in New York since Miki Gorman in 1977 will also defend her title.
Shalane Flanagan and Geoffrey Kamworor after their victories in New York (Getty Images) © Copyright
Flanagan ended a 40-year drought for US women by seizing the crown from Kenya’s Mary Keitany with a time of 2:26:53.
With her first victory in just her second appearance at the New York City Marathon – she was runner-up in her marathon debut in 2010 – Flanagan became the sixth US women’s champion in the event.
The 16-time national champion and Olympic silver medallist will join previously announced Des Linden, the 2018 Boston Marathon champion, and Allie Kieffer, the fifth-place finisher at last year’s Marathon.
“When I think about returning to race in New York City, I’m flooded with magical memories,” said Flanagan.
“My heart skips a beat, I get butterflies in my stomach, and my palms get sweaty. New York City is incredibly special to me. It’s where I ran my first marathon in 2010, placing second, and of course, my dream-come-true moment in 2017 when I won.”
