Chebet to defend New York City Marathon title

Defending champion Evans Chebet will face off with two-time winner Geoffrey Kamworor in this year’s New York City Marathon slated for November 5.

Chebet will be returning to the streets of New York hoping to extend his unbeaten streak in the US soil where he became the eighth man in history to win both the Boston and New York City races last year.

The 34-year-old already defended his Boston title in April where he outpaced a rich field that included world marathon record holder Eliud Kipchoge.

“I feel very confident as I begin my preparations to defend my TCS New York City Marathon title,” Chebet said. “I understand that nobody has won Boston and New York in back-to-back years since Bill Rodgers in the 1970’s, so making history will be my aim.”

On his part, Kamworor will be going for his third title after reigning supreme in 2017 and 2019 and will be hoping to build on his second-place finish at this year’s London Marathon.

Other Kenyan’s in the field is the 2021 winner Albert Korir who placed seventh in last year’s race while US-based Edward Cheserek will be making his debut over the 42km race.

Two-time winner Shura Kitata will lead the Ethiopian contingent that also has two-time World Championships silver medalist Mosinet Geremew, Jemal Yimer and Belachew Alemamehu Ameta.

Also in the mix is the recently crowned world championship silver medallist Maru Teferi of Israel and Olympic silver medalist Abdi Nageeye of the Netherlands.

Meanwhile, Sharon Lokedi will also defend her title in the women’s front where she will be up against compatriots;

On the women’s side, Lokedi will battle a loaded Kenyan field that includes world record holder Brigid Kosgei, Olympic champion Peres Jepchirchir, Boston Marathon champion Hellen Obiri, veteran Edna Kiplagat, Mary Ngugi and Viola Cheptoo.

The New York City Marathon will be the sixth and final leg of the World Marathon Majors circuit.