The final World Marathon Major of 2024 is almost here! In a banner year for road running, it’s hard to imagine how anything could top the Olympics, a historic Chicago, or even the early thrills of the U.S. Trials, but NYC has assembled a field full of living legends, rising stars, and fascinating narratives primed to end the year on a high note.
Three 2024 Olympic medalists are hitting the five boroughs: Olympic champion Tamirat Tola of Ethiopia, silver medalist Bashir Abdi of Belgium, and bronze medalist Hellen Obiri of Kenya. Obiri and Tola also happen to be the reigning NYC champions, and Obiri will be trying to win the Boston-New York double for the second straight year. Five other former NYC champions are in the mix (three men and two women), plus a pair of stacked U.S. fields vying to produce top-10 overall finishes… or even higher.
Here’s a compilation of our interviews from the NYC Marathon press conference, including Conner Mantz, Clayton Young, Hellen Obiri, Dakotah Popehn, Jenny Simpson, Sharon Lokedi, Evans Chebet and Jess McClain.
Time stamps:
0:05 - Conner Mantz
6:10 - Clayton Young
15:30 - Hellen Obiri
20:17 - Dakotah Popehn
24:29 - Jenny Simpson
34:09 - Sharon Lokedi
40:31 - Evans Chebet
43:35 - Jess McClain
Read: 2024 New York City Marathon Insider Notebook: What The Pros Had To Say Ahead Of Sunday’s Race
Read: Top Storylines To Watch At The 2024 New York City Marathon
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Hellen Obiri is a renowned Kenyan middle-distance and long-distance runner known for her incredible performances in events ranging from the 1500 meters to half marathons. She is a multiple World Champion and Olympic medalist, particularly excelling in the 5000 meters and cross country competitions. Obiri's athletic prowess has made her one of the most formidable competitors on the global stage.
Jenny Simpson is a renowned American middle-distance runner who specializes in the 1500 meters. She is a former World Champion and Olympic bronze medalist. Jenny has consistently performed at the highest levels in track and field, making her one of the most successful and recognizable figures in her discipline.
Tamirat Tola is an accomplished long-distance runner from Ethiopia, specializing in the marathon and 10,000 meters. He has achieved significant success on the international stage, including winning the bronze medal in the 10,000 meters at the 2016 Rio Olympics and becoming the World Marathon Champion in 2022.
Bashir Abdi is a Belgian long-distance runner born on February 10, 1989. He specializes in the 5000 metres and 10,000 metres, with notable achievements including a personal best of 2:03:36 in the marathon, showcasing his incredible endurance and speed on both track and road.