Debutant Lokedi, Chebet rule New York City Marathon

Kenyan duo of Boston Marathon champion Evans Chebet and debutant Sharon Lokedi beat strong fields to emerge the winners of the 2020 New York Marathon

Lokedi edged out world marathon bronze medallist Lonah Salpeter of Israel to clinch the title after clocking 2:23:23. Salpeter was close behind  in 2:23:30 as Ethiopia’s Gotytom Gebreslase, the world marathon champion, settled for third in 2:23:39.

The race started off with the 2018 Boston Marathon champion Desiree Linden breaking away from the pack in the women's race but was later caught at the 10km mark.

Kenya's world 10,000m silver medallist Hellen Obiri was among those in this chasing pack until the 35km mark when she was dropped off by Lokedi, Gotytom Gebreslasie and Salpeter to eventually finish sixth-place finish in 2:25:49.

At the 39km mark, Lokedi distanced herself from Salpeter, who was still hanging on and then unleashed a sprint finish to win her first marathon title.

Lokedi was short of words after the win, saying: "I'm out words...I really don't know what to say. I am just excited."

Other Kenyans in the race included Edna Kiplagat who placed fourth in 2:24:16 and Viola Cheptoo (fifth in 2:25:34).

Chebet clocked 2:08:41 to win the men's race after doing a lot of chasing behind Brazilian Daniel Do Nascimento, who collapsed heading into the last third of the race.

Ethiopia’s Shura Kitata settled for second in 2:08:54 ahead of Netherlands' Abdi Nageeye, who timed 2:10:31. The other Kenyan in the race was Albert Korir, who placed seventh in 2:13:27.

Chebet expressed his delight towards bagging his second win on American soil, saying: “I am excited and I thank God for this win. Honestly, the Boston course was a bit tougher than this one."