Kenyan Runners Kamworor, Jepkosgei Win at New York Marathon
WASHINGTON (Dispatches) -- Kenyan runners Geoffrey Kamworor and Joyciline Jepkosgei have won men's and women's titles at the New York Marathon.
Jepkosgei powered away from four-time winner and compatriot Mary Keitany to win the women's title with a time of 2 hours 22 minutes and 38 seconds in her first full marathon race. Her result is also the second-fastest ever in the women's division of the event.
"The strategy I had planned was to finish the race strong," Jepkosgei said. "But in the last kilometers, I saw that I was approaching the finish line and I was capable of winning."
Keitany finished second with a time of 2:23:32 while Ruti Aga from Ethiopia came third at 2:25:51.
Kamworor won his second title in three years with a time of 2:08:13 in men's race.
"From the start of the race, I was feeling okay," Kamworor said. "I was comfortable. I prepared very well to run this marathon. In the final stage, the pace was fast, and it wasn't a problem for me. That's when I decided to pull away."
Kamworor has enjoyed success in recent years. In addition to winning the New York Marathon in 2017, he also placed second in 2015 and third last year.
Albert Korir of Kenya and Girma Gebre from Ethiopia came second and third. Defending champion and this year's world championships winner Lelisa Desisa of Ethiopia dropped out of the race midway due to pain in his legs.
Jepkosgei powered away from four-time winner and compatriot Mary Keitany to win the women's title with a time of 2 hours 22 minutes and 38 seconds in her first full marathon race. Her result is also the second-fastest ever in the women's division of the event.
"The strategy I had planned was to finish the race strong," Jepkosgei said. "But in the last kilometers, I saw that I was approaching the finish line and I was capable of winning."
Keitany finished second with a time of 2:23:32 while Ruti Aga from Ethiopia came third at 2:25:51.
Kamworor won his second title in three years with a time of 2:08:13 in men's race.
"From the start of the race, I was feeling okay," Kamworor said. "I was comfortable. I prepared very well to run this marathon. In the final stage, the pace was fast, and it wasn't a problem for me. That's when I decided to pull away."
Kamworor has enjoyed success in recent years. In addition to winning the New York Marathon in 2017, he also placed second in 2015 and third last year.
Albert Korir of Kenya and Girma Gebre from Ethiopia came second and third. Defending champion and this year's world championships winner Lelisa Desisa of Ethiopia dropped out of the race midway due to pain in his legs.