Olympians Conquer NYC Marathon: Tola and Obiri Lead the Charge

A plethora of 2024 Olympians will compete in the final marathon major of the year in New York. Notably, few athletes opted out due to fatigue after the Paris Games. Defending champions Tamirat Tola and Hellen Obiri will lead 29 Olympians and Paralympians, with advancements in training and technology aiding their performance.

A field brimming with Olympic talent will tackle the last marathon major of the year in New York this Sunday, despite the rigors of the recent Paris Games. Surprisingly, few athletes have cited fatigue as a reason to bow out. Tamirat Tola from Ethiopia and Kenyan champion Hellen Obiri, who both medaled in Paris, headline an impressive group of 29 Olympians and Paralympians taking to the course this weekend.

Sam Grotewold, general manager of professional athletes for New York Road Runners, expressed amazement at the low rate of withdrawal, common in an Olympic year. 'What I anticipated—and we didn't really have—was athletes backing out due to exhaustion,' he remarked. His role involves competing with other autumn marathons to secure elite talent, a task usually challenging in Olympic years when athletes prioritize recovery.

Grotewold's position was bolstered in 2021, with Kenyan Peres Jepchirchir's landmark wins of both the New York Marathon and Olympic gold, a feat that motivates Tola. Advances in nutrition, training, and innovative 'super shoes' are credited with reducing post-race fatigue, allowing faster recovery and preparation times. Joining Tola is Paris runner-up Bashir Abdi of Belgium, while Obiri competes against compatriots Sharon Lokedi and 2018 London winner Vivian Cheruiyot.

(With inputs from agencies.)