Olympic medallist Hellen Obiri tops women’s elite entry for the New York City Marathon set to take place on November 3, 2024.

In the last edition, the three-time Olympic medallist and seven-time world medallist became the first woman in 34 years to win both Boston and New York in the same calendar year.

This season has been good so far for Obiri, who has already won the Boston Marathon title and went on to earn bronze in the Olympic marathon.

“There’s no place like New York, and I am so ready to defend my title. 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,” Obiri said, as quoted by World Athletics.

This is set to be a redemption moment for Sharon Lokedi after finishing third last year despite being the defending champion. Edna Kiplagat, the 2010 champion, four-time Olympic medallist Vivian Cheruiyot, and Sheila Chepkirui, who owns the fastest personal best in the field, are in Kenya’s team.

The Kenyan unit will, as always, face tough competition from their Ethiopian rivals. Tirunesh Dibaba will make her New York City Marathon debut and is one of the world’s most accomplished long-distance runners as a three-time Olympic and 16-time world champion. Senbere Teferi will be Dibaba’s teammate in New York.

Men’s elite entry

In the men’s category, Tamirat Tola, the 2024 Olympic champion, heads back to New York City after winning last year in a course record of 2:04:58.

“I’m excited to defend my title in New York, especially coming off an Olympic-record marathon performance. 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,” Tola said.

Two-time Olympic medallist Bashir Abdi, the Belgian, earned silver at the recent Olympics, having taken bronze at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021 and at the 2022 World Championships. He is expected to be a strong candidate.

2022 champion Evans Chebet, 2021 winner Albert Korir, and 2019 and 2017 victor Geoffrey Kamworor will represent Kenya. Chebet has twice won the Boston Marathon, and has finished first or second in 13 marathons. Kamworor has made it on to the podium in all four of his New York Marathon appearances.

Abel Kipchumba, who won this year’s NYC Half Marathon, will be making his New York City Marathon debut.