The New York Marathon is on Sunday — and more than 50,000 people will be participating.
While many runners are lacing up for the 26.2 mile distance just for fun, professional athletes from around the world will be hitting the course with an eye on a top finish.
Here are the five women to pay attention to tomorrow:
Shalane Flanagan
Flanagan made headlines at last year’s New York Marathon with her victory, becoming the first American woman to win the race in 40 years. The Nike athlete secured her first major marathon win at the race, too — and although she aims to repeat last year’s success, winning two years in a row would be no small feat.
Desiree Linden
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Like Flanagan, Linden already has ensured her place in the history books. The runner, who sports Brooks sneakers, broke a 33-year dry spell for American women at the 2018 Boston Marathon. And now, she has her eye on New York.
Mary Keitany
Keitany, who is an Adidas athlete, has won the New York Marathon three times (most recently in 2016). After a second-place finish last year, the Kenyan runner looks to return to her winning ways on Sunday.
Vivian Cheruiyot
Cheruiyot claimed her first major victory at the London Marathon this year. While the Nike-sponsored Kenyan star’s biggest career achievements thus far have come on the track, her win in London proves she’s also a real contender when it comes to the longer distance.
Allie Kieffer
Kieffer surprised everyone by shaving 26 minutes off her best time in New York last fall, as she claimed a top 5 finish. Now, fans are looking to see if the American can build on last year’s success.
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