Tamirat Tola, Hellen Obiri Defend NYC Marathon Titles

Hellen Obiri and Tamirat Tola are set to defend their titles at the upcoming New York City Marathon on November 3, 2024. Obiri, a two-time Boston Marathon winner and bronze medalist at the Paris Olympics, aims to become the first woman since Mary Keitany to win consecutive NYC marathons, facing strong competition from fellow Kenyans like Sharon Lokedi and Sheila Chepkirui. Meanwhile, Tola, who recently clinched Olympic gold and set a New York course record last year, aspires to become the first man since Geoffrey Mutai to win back-to-back titles. The men's field includes notable athletes such as Geoffrey Kamworor and Evans Chebet, while American hopes rest on Dakotah Lindwurm and Clayton Young. The marathon will also feature legendary runners Tirunesh Dibaba and Vivian Cheruiyot, both making their first head-to-head appearance since 2018. As the event approaches, anticipation builds for both elite races as athletes seek to make history.