The 2024 New York City Marathon promises a thrilling showcase of athleticism, as four standout women prepare to compete on November 3 for the ultimate prize. With a quality field assembled, many runners aim not only to win but also to set records. This year, particular attention is on four competitors who bring unique strengths, impressive records, and immense determination to the course. Here’s an in-depth look at Hellen Obiri, Sharon Lokedi, Dakotah Lindwurm, and Sheila Chepkirui, who are anticipated to be among the top contenders.
Hellen Obiri (Kenya)
Hellen Obiri stands out as a formidable contender, entering the 2024 New York City Marathon as the defending champion. At 34, she is on an impressive run, having clinched victory in both the Boston and New York City marathons in 2023. Known for her resilience and strategic racing, Obiri has carved out a reputation as one of the most versatile and accomplished marathoners globally. This year, she has the opportunity to make history by achieving a double-double, winning both Boston and New York for two consecutive years.
Obiri’s strong performance throughout 2024 has further solidified her status. She earned a bronze medal in the Olympic marathon in Paris, adding another Olympic accolade to her list. Despite the challenges she faced during that race missed drink stations and a couple of falls her determination saw her rally back to secure a podium position, marking her third Olympic medal across three different Games. With a personal best marathon time of 2:23:10, Obiri’s endurance, experience, and tactical brilliance make her one of the leading favorites in New York this year.
In addition to her individual aspirations, Obiri is also contending for the ultimate World Marathon Majors prize, an award recognizing cumulative performance across major marathons. Her consistent top finishes, combined with the mental and physical fortitude she’s demonstrated, position her as a likely candidate to not only defend her New York title but also reinforce her legacy as one of the sport’s modern greats.
Sharon Lokedi (Kenya)
Sharon Lokedi is another runner to watch closely. The 2022 New York City marathon champion has demonstrated steady improvement and impressive resolve throughout her career. In Paris, she narrowly missed an Olympic medal, finishing just four seconds shy of the podium. Originally selected as a reserve for the Kenyan Olympic marathon team, Lokedi was brought in as a late addition after Brigid Kosgei had to withdraw due to injury. This opportunity on the grand Olympic stage underscored Lokedi’s capabilities and cemented her status among the world’s elite marathoners.
Lokedi’s decision to relocate to the United States has been a game-changer in her career, allowing her access to new training methods and competition styles that have pushed her performance to new heights. This year, she finished second to Obiri in the Boston Marathon, showcasing her tenacity and tactical prowess in a highly competitive field. With a marathon personal best of 2:22:45, Lokedi has proven herself capable of matching stride with the best in the world. Her relatively short career in marathons she has only competed in four makes her achievements even more remarkable. As she prepares for New York, her recent experiences and victories will serve her well, giving her the confidence and skill set needed to compete for the podium once again.
Dakotah Lindwurm (USA)
Dakotah Lindwurm emerges as one of the United States’ strongest contenders in this year’s New York City Marathon. Lindwurm was the highest-placing American in the Olympic marathon in Paris, finishing 12th, a respectable achievement that demonstrated her ability to excel on the global stage. Her commitment to improving specific elements of her race, particularly her performance on hilly courses, signals her readiness to tackle the unique challenges posed by New York’s terrain.
Lindwurm has openly expressed her desire to secure a podium position in New York. She has set this as her primary goal and has tailored her training accordingly, working rigorously on hill running to ensure she’s prepared for the undulating New York course. Her confidence has noticeably grown with these adjustments, giving her a mental edge as well. With a personal best of 2:24:40, she has shown she can hold her own against top international competitors. New York’s hilly course, combined with her enhanced endurance and mental preparedness, may provide the perfect platform for her breakthrough. Her journey to the podium won’t be easy, but with her determination and improved training, Lindwurm stands a strong chance of meeting her goals.
Sheila Chepkirui (Kenya)
Sheila Chepkirui enters the New York City Marathon as the fastest woman in the field, bringing a sense of anticipation around the possibility of a record-breaking run. Chepkirui’s marathon personal best of 2:17:29, set in the speedy Valencia Marathon in 2022, highlights her raw speed and sets her apart from her competitors. While her career does not yet include an Olympic marathon medal, she did secure a bronze in the 10,000 meters at the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, demonstrating her ability to compete on the global stage in shorter distances.
Chepkirui’s recent performances over the marathon distance underscore her consistency and potential. At last year’s Berlin Marathon, she clocked an impressive 2:17:49, reinforcing her place among the fastest female marathoners. As she prepares for New York, Chepkirui will likely aim to push her own boundaries in pursuit of a new personal best. In a year where the women’s marathon world record has already been shattered, her participation adds an extra layer of excitement for spectators. A runner of her caliber, with the ability to clock under 2 hours and 18 minutes, will be a strong contender, especially if conditions favor a fast race.
Comparison and Predictions
These four women bring diverse strengths to the New York City Marathon, each with the potential to emerge victorious or secure a podium finish. Obiri’s experience as a defending champion and her consistency across the marathon majors make her a top choice, especially given her success in similar high-stakes environments. Lokedi, with her recent podium finishes and steady improvement, provides a compelling narrative as an underdog with a realistic chance to challenge the top-tier athletes.
Lindwurm represents the American contingent’s best hope, carrying the momentum of her Paris Olympic performance and a laser focus on training for New York’s unique challenges. Her dedication to perfecting her hill-running skills could serve her well on the course’s rolling hills, especially in Central Park, where the race tends to be won or lost.
Chepkirui, meanwhile, brings an element of unpredictability with her record-breaking speed. If the pace is fast and the conditions are favorable, she could not only clinch a win but potentially set a new course record. Her track-to-marathon transition exemplifies the blending of speed and endurance necessary to excel in New York, and she may well be the surprise performer of the day.
Each athlete will face specific challenges during the race. Obiri’s experience and versatility might give her the edge in managing the race’s physical and psychological demands, while Lokedi’s recent successes indicate a strategic awareness that could play to her advantage. Lindwurm’s hill-focused training aligns well with the demands of the course, giving her a fighting chance in the final miles. Chepkirui, with her unparalleled speed, could dominate if she successfully handles the race’s shifts in pace and elevation.
Final Thoughts
The 2024 New York City Marathon will showcase an incredible mix of talent, with four athletes who each have a legitimate shot at standing atop the podium. As the race day approaches, all eyes will be on these women, who have dedicated years of training and competition to reach this moment. Hellen Obiri’s pursuit of a double-double, Sharon Lokedi’s steady rise to prominence, Dakotah Lindwurm’s focused drive to break into the top three, and Sheila Chepkirui’s record-breaking speed create a thrilling atmosphere for this year’s marathon.
Ultimately, the outcome will hinge on both preparation and adaptability, as the unpredictable nature of marathon racing, combined with New York’s demanding course, could lead to any number of scenarios. Whether Obiri successfully defends her title, Lokedi claims her second New York victory, Lindwurm brings home a podium finish for the United States, or Chepkirui breaks records, the 2024 New York City Marathon is sure to be a memorable event in the world of competitive running. The dedication, resilience, and passion these women bring to the sport will no doubt inspire audiences and mark a significant moment in marathon history.
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