The 2024 London Marathon champion Alexander Munyao and reigning New York Marathon queen Sheila Chepkirui have sounded a warning ahead of November’s New York City Marathon after storming to commanding victories at Sunday’s Great North Run in Britain.
The Kenyan duo delivered emphatic wins in the men’s and women’s races, extending the country’s dominance at the prestigious half-marathon, a mirror image of last year, when both titles also headed to Kenya.
In 2024, Abel Kipchumba sealed the men's title in 59.52 to lead Britain's Marc Scott (1:01:11) and Norway's Sondre Nordstad Moen (1:01:25) to the podium.
In the women's event, Mary Ngugi-Cooper claimed the title in 1:07:40 with Ethiopia's Senbere Teferi (1:07:41) and Alemu Megertu (1:07:42) in second and third place. On Sunday, Munyao clocked 1:00:52 to claim his maiden title in the Great North Run, outkicking Belgium's Bashir Abdi (1:00:58) and Kipchumba (1:01:01). The 28-year-old described the race as a perfect dress rehearsal for his much-anticipated debut in New York.
"I am very happy to have won here today. It is part of my preparations for my debut at the New York Marathon," Munyao said post-race. He noted that the results were a motivational booster ahead of the November race. "The results here today have given me confidence ahead of New York."
He further drew similarities between the Great North Run course and the New York course. "The course here is hilly and has slopes just like the one in New York, so it was good to run here to prepare myself."
In New York, Munyao will renew rivalries with Abdi Nageeye and face a formidable Kenyan contingent that includes last year’s runner-up Evans Chebet and Olympic bronze medallist Benson Kipruto, alongside Ethiopia’s Deresa Geleta.
Meanwhile, in the women's race on Sunday, Chepkirui stopped the clock in 1:09:32 to finish ahead of Vivian Cheruiyot (1:09:37) and Eilish McColgan (1:09:42). Chepkirui noted that she was pleased with her victory despite the windy conditions. "The race was good, but it was really windy. I had to use a lot of energy because of the heavy winds," Chepkirui said.
She further acknowledged the support of the fans. "The last one mile was very beautiful. The crowd was cheering us on, and that really pushed us."
Chepkirui will be hoping to defend the crown she won in New York last year after cutting the tape in 2:24:35 ahead of compatriots Hellen Obiri (2:24:49) and Cheruiyot (2:25:21).
In New York, Chepkirui will flex muscles with reignited Boston Marathon champion Sharon Lokedi, Obiri, Cheruiyot, Edna Kiplagat and Ethiopia's Gotytom Gebreslase.
