Jonathan Gault breaks down the women's field for you. It's stacked both in terms of international and American talent.
Jonathan Gault breaks down the women's field for you. It's stacked both in terms of international and American talent.
I would say Benson Kipruto looks like a good bet to win. I am more interested in whether Joe Klecker breaks 2:10.
The women's side is definitely more interesting this year.
1. Sifan Hasaan- If she was able to recover fully from Sydney, I don't see her losing. 2:18 in Sydney without real competition, which is a hillier course than NYC, is already 4 minutes faster than the NYC course record. Lokedi and Obiri have shown they can run 2:17 on hills (Boston), but during their last matchup in Paris, Sifan ate them up.
2. - 3. Sharon Lokedi / Hellen Obiri- I see these 2 as rounding out the podium, I just don't know the order. Lokedi came away with a PB in 1:05 flat in September, so she seems to be in great form. After this momentum post her Boston win and course record in 2:17, I could see her edging out Hellen but I'm sure Hellen wants redemption after Boston.
4. - 6. Sheila Chepkirui / Gotytom Gebreslase / Emily Sisson - I think these 3 will be the next in some order after the podium. I think Chepkirui benefited in NYC last year from Obiri and Lokedi coming off of the Olympics so I don't see her repeating a win here. She hasn't been running particularly fast this year, although she won Nagoya. Notably, Sisson beat Chepkirui at the BAA 10K in June. Sisson also beat Gebreslase (and Obiri!) at the Great Manchester Run in May. So Although Sisson hasn't had a great half this year, she seems to be back to her old form which would put her in contention for a top 5 placement. Fingers crossed she is feeling fully recovered from her sickness by the time Sunday rolls around.
7. Fiona O'Keeffe- Definitely could fall in the above group somewhere as well, as she seems to be great at championship style racing. I see her or Sisson being top American.
I don't see Sullivan having a strong performance as Worlds was pretty recent, but I guess it's possible. I'm happy to see Seidel back on a start list, but she even said herself she is not in her old form and is hoping to run sub 2:30. Very interested to see how Amanda Vestri does- she has been a bit inconsistent this year so hoping she can have a good experience for her debut.