Just days after their stunning performances at the Paris Olympics marathon, Hellen Obiri and Tamirat Tola are already back in the training groove, with their sights set on defending their titles at the 2024 New York City Marathon. This year’s race, taking place on Sunday, November 3, is shaping up to be a spectacle of endurance and determination, as these elite athletes prepare to compete against some of the world’s best.
The New York City Marathon consistently draws top-tier talent, and 2024 is no different. The race will feature 14 previous champions, 27 Olympians, and 19 Paralympians, making for a fiercely competitive field. The organizers have also confirmed that 31 athletes who participated in the Paris Olympics will be lining up, adding further prestige to this already illustrious event.
Hellen Obiri comes into the race riding a wave of confidence, having recently secured a bronze medal in the Paris Olympic marathon. Her performance in Paris, where she battled through a challenging course to finish third, reaffirms her position as one of the top marathoners globally. Earlier this year, she made history by becoming the first woman since 2005 to repeat as the Boston Marathon champion, further cementing her legacy.
“There’s no place like New York, and I am so ready to defend my title on what has become one of my favorite days of the year,” Obiri shared. “I’ve had great success racing on U.S. roads, and I’m hoping to be in contention again as we approach the finish line in Central Park.”
Obiri’s quest to retain her title won’t be easy. She faces a strong challenge from Sharon Lokedi, who finished fourth in the Paris marathon and won the New York City Marathon in 2022 during her debut at the distance. Lokedi’s impressive runner-up finish at this year’s Boston Marathon also highlights her as a serious contender.
Other notable athletes in the women’s race include Kenyan stars Edna Kiplagat, Vivian Cheruiyot, and Sheila Chepkirui, who brings the fastest personal best to the field. Ethiopia’s Tirunesh Dibaba, making her New York City Marathon debut, is another formidable competitor. Known as one of the greatest long-distance runners of all time, Dibaba’s participation adds to the event’s star power, alongside her compatriot Senbere Teferi.
In the men’s race, defending champion Tamirat Tola returns with momentum after his record-breaking performance at the Paris Olympics, where he set an Olympic marathon record with a time of 2:06:26. Tola, who also claimed gold at the 2022 World Championships and silver at the 2017 World Championships, is eager to defend his New York City title.
“I’m excited to defend my title in New York, especially coming off an Olympic-record marathon performance,” Tola said. “The hilly course and vibrant crowds in Paris have prepared me well for the unique challenges New York presents, and I’m hopeful for another great result.”
Tola’s competition will be fierce, with Belgium’s Bashir Abdi, who took silver in the Paris marathon, among the top contenders. The field also includes several former New York City Marathon champions, such as Evans Chebet, Albert Korir, Geoffrey Kamworor, and Abel Kipchumba, all of whom are determined to reclaim the crown.
As the countdown to the 2024 New York City Marathon begins, the stage is set for an unforgettable race. Fans of marathon running will be watching closely as these elite athletes vie for glory on the streets of New York, in what promises to be one of the most competitive marathons in recent memory.
