NAIROBI, Kenya, Nov 8 – Newly-crowned New York Marathon champion Evans Chebet says a poor performance in the Big Apple City, four years ago, was at the back of his mind on his way to victory in Sunday.
The Boston Marathon champion did not finish the race in 2018 and was elated to have redeemed himself with his second World Marathon Majors win in a year.
“In 2018, I was here but was unable to finish. At the 29km mark, I got tired and quit the race. That I returned here to New York and won the race is a big improvement and commendable effort that calls for celebration. I am so delighted,” Chebet said.
The 2020 Valencia Marathon champion timed 2:08:41 to beat the tape, ahead of Ethiopian Shura Kitata (2:08:54) and Dutchman Abdi Nageeye (2:10:31).
Chebet admitted he had to be tactical in his running to outwit his competitors who were equally formidable and eyeing the podium place.
“I kept looking over my shoulder because I knew my opponents were equally looking to run a fast time and win the title. I had to be careful to establish a significant amount of distance between myself and the rest. Once I reached the 35km-mark and saw that there was minimal chance of them catching up with me, I reduced my pace,” the 2019 Buenos Aires Marathon champion explained.
The 33-year-old was one of two Kenyans to shine in the Big Apple with debutant Sharon Lokedi completing the double delight with her win in the women’s marathon.
The University of Kansas-based athlete succeeded Olympic champion Peres Jepchirchir as the queen of New York, clocking 2:23:23 for her first World Marathon Majors win.
Kenyan-born Israeli Lonah Chemtai Salpeter came second in 2:23:30 as Ethiopian Gotytom Gebreselase finished third in 2:23:39.
