New York City marathon

The New York City Marathon was back on the streets last November 7 after being scrapped last year due to the panans and womens divisions. Korir  breasted the tape in 2:08:22 while Jepchirchir outran compatriot Viola Cheptoo Lagat in the final 800 meters to win in 2:22:39, Lagat is a sister of another marathon great Bernard Lagat. Ethiopian Arabel Yeshaneh prevented a shut out in the podium when she finished thid in 2:22:52. But the biggest attention was on Molly Seidel of the United States, who finished fourth in 2:24:42. Seidel, who was recovering from two broken ribs, broke Kara Goucher’s course record of 2:25:53 that stood since 2008. Seidel’s time is now considered the fastest by an American in New York. Another American who shared the spotlight with Seidel was Shalane Flanagan, who finished 12th in 2:33:32. Flanagan, now 41, was the first American in 40 years to win the NYC Marathon to break the Africans domination of the race. Flanagan retired in 2019 only to run again in the Abbott World Marathon Majors, completing six marathons in six weeks or in 42 days.  Flanagan ran Berlin in 2:38:32, London (2:35:04), Chicago(2:46:39), Boston (2:40:34) and New York (2:33:32). Jepchichir almost broke the course record of 2:22:31 set by Kenya’s Margaret Okayo in 2003.  The rest of the top 10 are 5th Helalia Johannes (Nambia, 2:26:09), 6th Kelleyn Taylor (USA 2:26:10),7th Annie Fresbie (USA-2:26:18), 8th Laura Thweatt(USA 2:27:00) 9th Grace Kahura (Kenya 2:30:32) and 10th  Stephanie Bruce (USA 2:31:05).In the men’s division, Mohammed Al Arraby  came in second in 2:09:06 while Eyob Faniel (Italy) placed third in 2:09:52. Korir’s clocking was far cry from the 2:05:05 mark set by Kenyan Geoffrey Mutai in 2011. The rest of the top ten are 4th Elkania Kibet (USA-2:11:15), 5th Abdi Nageeye (Netherlands-2:11:15) 6th Kenenisa Bekele (Ethiopia-2:12:52) 7th Ben True (USA 2:12:53) 8th Nathan Martino (USA 2:12:57), 9th Kibiwott Kandie Ethioia 2:13:43 and 10th Jar Ward (USA 2:14:06).  Chelsea Clinton, running incognito, finished in 3:59:09 and was welcomed by parents, former president Bill Cinton and his wife, Hillary.

Los Angeles marathon

While the New York City Marathon was onoing in the East, another big marathon was also being held on the same day in the West, The Los Angeles Marathon. Again, the Kenyans dominated the race with John Korir finishing first in 2:12:47 while Edwin Kimutai was second in 2:18:01. Amanuel Mesel of Eritrea,wound up third in 2:18:17. Korir is a younger brother of Wesley Korir who won the L.A Marathon in 2009 and 2010. Natasha Cockram of Wale frustrated another Kenyan, when she clocked 2:33:17 to top the race. Kenyan Antonina Kwambai settled for second in 2:37:35 while American Nina Zarina pocketed third in 2:37:36.  enyans have won the men’s race since 1999 except  for 2011, 2014 and 2020 when it was won by Ethiopians. US runners last won the race in 1994.  Some 13,000 joined the marathon that started at Dodger’s Stadium.