Thursday, October 28, 2009-- On the morning of Sunday, November 1, 2009 thousands of runners will toe the line for the latest installment of the ING New York City Marathon. The women's field, which once was shaping up to be quite the showdown, has significantly suffered due to drop outs and injuries, but three major contenders remain. The illustrious Paula Radcliffe is vying for her fourth NYC win, but Salina Kosgei from Kenya and Yuri Kano from Japan are set to steal the title.
Paula Radcliffe is notorious for pushing the pace, especially from the gun, and has not planned anything different for this time (or four times) around Central Park. Radcliffe has battled injury upon injury throughout her distance running career, but when the Britain is healthy and in fighting form, watch out! She has boldly stated to the running world that she is going for the course record this year-- a record currently held by Margaret Okayo (2:22:31 from 2003), but undoubtedly deserved by three-time tape-breaker Radcliffe.
Kosgei should be her toughest competition, but is noticeably shy about beating Paula in media interviews. She claims she will "try her best", but clearly her best is worthy proven by her thrilling 2009 Boston Marathon sprint-to-the-finish win and her recent domination in the RAK Half Marathon. Kano will put up a fight, but inexperience might come back to bite her. Both challengers plan to draft off of Radcliffe's initial speedy pace and then hope, pray and beg that it will come down to the final 100meters. Keep in mind, Kosgei actually beat Radcliffe in the 2008 Beijing Olympic Marathon (10th and 23rd respectively).
Sunday's forecast says cool temps, a slight breeze and potential sprinkles, but the three women who remain to tread the 26.2 (Dire Tune, Lornah Kiplagat, Jelena Prokopcuka, Mara Yamauchi and Tatyana Petrova all dropped out) will surely heat things up!
Check out the ING NYC Marathon course:
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