Kenya’s Geoffrey Kamworor Eyes New York Marathon Title on Sunday

Kenya’s Geoffrey Kamworor has exuded confidence that he will reclaim his New York City Marathon title this weekend.

Kamworor, who last month smashed the world half-marathon record in Denmark, lost the New York City title to Ethiopia’s Lelisa Desisa last year.

The 26-year-old long-distance runner clocked 58:01 at the Copenhagen Half Marathon to set a new world record in the 21-kilometer race.

The two-time IAAF World Cross Country champion returns to Central Park for his title reclamation bid on Sunday.

“I know everyone expects me to do well, I want to assure them am ready my training has gone well after breaking the record that showed how prepared I am for the challenge,” Kamworor said.

Kamworor will lock horns with defending champion Desisa, and his Ethiopian compatriot Shura Kitata, who finished second last year. Kamworor managed third place.

“I won it in 2017 for the first time but lost in my second attempt, this year I am ready and my opponents are well aware, New York is not a fast course so despite the inspiration by the half marathon record not much should be expected but I’ll do my best and try to give a good result,” he added.

In the women’s race, 2018 champion Mary Keitany of Kenya will be looking to defend her title after winning the race in 2:22:48 last year, the second-fastest time ever recorded on the course.

Her challengers will include her compatriot Joyceline Jepkosgei, Sinead Diver of Australia and nine-time US champion Aliphine Tuliamuk.