Sifan Hassan Headlines field as 2024 NYC marathon Begins
NEW YORK – the professional women’s race kicked off at 8:35 a.m. Sunday, with Dutch star sifan Hassan among the top contenders as she attempts a rare double after winning the marathon in Sydney just two months prior. Hassan is making her debut at the New York City Marathon, facing a challenging 26.2-mile course known for its bridges and hills.
The 2024 NYC Marathon marks a pivotal moment in the sport, as an American woman hasn’t claimed victory as Shalane Flanagan in 2017. This year’s race features a competitive international field alongside top American hopes Emily Sisson, the U.S. record holder,and Tokyo Olympic bronze medalist Molly Seidel. The event draws significant attention from running enthusiasts worldwide and impacts the prestige of American marathon running.
The Route: The 2024 NYC Marathon course begins on Staten Island, crossing the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge into Brooklyn. Runners then proceed through Brooklyn, Queens, and Manhattan, ultimately finishing in Central Park. the course is renowned for its diverse terrain, including the Queensboro Bridge and the rolling hills of central Park.
Who’s Running: Hassan, 32, boasts the fastest personal best among the competitors, having run 2 hours, 13.44 minutes at the Chicago Marathon in 2023. Though, she acknowledges the difficulty of the New York course, stating, ”I have respect for the course which I haven’t done. I have big respect for the athletes going to run with me. I’m not going to say I’m going to win,it’s very hard.” She will be challenged by defending champions Sheila Chepkirui (2024),Hellen Obiri (2023),and Sharon Lokedi (2022),who set the Boston Marathon course record in April.
Hassan admitted to being intimidated by the course after last year’s Paris Marathon, saying, “I remember last year after Paris it made me so scared of how hard this course is. I wasn’t ready last year.”
Beyond the elite field, tens of thousands of amateur runners participate, making the NYC Marathon one of the world’s largest and most inclusive sporting events.
how to Watch: Live coverage of the 2024 NYC Marathon is available on various platforms, including ESPN2 and the ESPN app. Check local listings for specific times. (Details from the Associated Press)
