NYC Pro Athletes Bios

Men's Open Division: The Great Chase

KIPCHOGE, Eliud (Kenya) - PR: 2:01:09 🇰🇪 The marathon GOAT is finally coming to NYC! This debut marks his chase for the final missing Abbott World Marathon Major title. His legendary mantra is simple but powerful: "No Human Is Limited." He literally lives by a calm, simple, low-profile life—run, eat, sleep, repeat! 🐐

KIPRUTO, Benson (Kenya) - PR: 2:02:16 🇰🇪 Benson is a major player on the global stage. He's a machine who not only ran a scorching PR but is also the Tokyo Marathon course record holder. A consistent podium finisher, watch for him to push the pace up the challenging bridges. 🌉

GELETA, Deresa (Ethiopia) - PR: 2:02:38 🇪🇹 A fearsome competitor from Ethiopia, Deresa brings blistering speed to his NYC debut. With a PR this fast, he has the raw power to challenge anyone in the field. Keep an eye on the clock when he runs! ⏱️

CHEBET, Evans (Kenya) - PR: 2:03:00 🇰🇪 The two-time Boston Marathon champ (2022, 2023) and 2022 NYC Marathon winner returns! He knows how to conquer the difficult courses in the US and will look to reclaim his title. He is truly a king of American Majors. 👑

MUTISO, Alexander (Kenya) - PR: 2:03:11 🇰🇪 Alexander is fresh off a victory at the 2024 London Marathon, proving his major marathon credentials. New York will be his next big challenge, and with that PR, he is definitely one to watch for the win! 🥇

NAGEEYE, Abdi (Netherlands) - PR: 2:04:20 (NR) 🇳🇱 The defending NYC champion is back to hold off the Kenyan powerhouse. As the national record holder, Abdi brings tactical brilliance and a champion's heart to the streets of New York. He loves to make the race exciting! 🇳🇱

SIMBU, Alphonce (Tanzania) - PR: 2:04:38 🇹🇿 Alphonce brings more than just marathon talent—he is a Staff Sergeant in the Tanzania People's Defence Forces! That military discipline and endurance will serve him well on the gruelling marathon course. 🫡

MOEN, Sondre Nordstad (Norway) - PR: 2:05:48 (NR) 🇳🇴 Sondre made history when he became the first European man to break the 2:06:00 barrier. Fun fact: he was a competitive cross-country skier until age 16 before dedicating himself to running! Talk about a versatile athlete! 🎿

KIPCHUMBA, Abel (Kenya) - PR: 2:06:49 🇰🇪 Abel is a force over shorter road races, having won the United Airlines NYC Half Marathon twice! He knows the streets of New York well, which gives him a definite advantage in this longer distance. 🏙️

SIMBASSA, Biya (USA) - PR: 2:06:53 🇺🇸 Biya has a heartwarming story, having immigrated to the U.S. from Ethiopia. He is now a multiple-time American National Champion, representing his country on the world stage. From a running start to running glory! 🌟

KORIR, Albert (Kenya) - PR: 2:06:57 🇰🇪 The 2021 NYC Marathon Champion is back and always a threat. He has a history of performing well in New York, proving that course knowledge and experience are invaluable. He's been on the NYC podium four times! 🏆

BENNIE, Colin (USA) - PR: 2:09:38 🇺🇸 Colin is a strong and consistent presence in American distance running. He’ll be aiming to finish as a top American and push for a new personal best on one of the sport's biggest stages. 👏

BOR, Hillary (USA) - PR: Debut 🇺🇸 This two-time U.S. Olympian is making his marathon debut after excelling in the 3,000m steeplechase. Interestingly, he is also an active Sergeant in the U.S. Army, bringing Soldier strong training to the roads! 🏃‍♂️🎖️

KLECKER, Joe (USA) - PR: Debut 🇺🇸 Another exciting American debut! Joe is a U.S. Olympian in the 10,000m. He's part of a famous running family and is looking to translate his track speed into marathon success. Get ready for a fast start! 💨

Women's Open Division: Record Holders and Reigning Champions

HASSAN, Sifan (Netherlands) - PR: 2:13:44 🇳🇱 The most versatile distance runner in history, Sifan is an Olympic champion on both the track and the road. She is famous for bringing the drama, once saying: "I was born for drama." She’s always entertaining! 🤩

LOKEDI, Sharon (Kenya) - PR: 2:17:22 🇰🇪 Sharon is a reigning champion, having won the NYC Marathon in 2022 in her marathon debut! That incredible feat makes her a true favorite in New York. She clearly loves the energy of the five boroughs. ✨

CHEPKIRUI, Sheila (Kenya) - PR: 2:17:29 🇰🇪 The defending 2024 NYC Marathon Champion is back to try for a repeat win! Her victory last year secured her first Abbott World Marathon Major title, demonstrating she knows exactly how to finish strong in the Big Apple. 🍎

OBIRI, Hellen (Kenya) - PR: 2:17:41 🇰🇪 Hellen is the 2023 NYC Marathon winner and 2024 Boston Marathon Champion! She is chasing her third Abbott major title, cementing her status as one of the best marathoners of her generation. She is a marathon major magnet! 🏆

GEBRESLASE, Gotytom (Ethiopia) - PR: 2:18:11 🇪🇹 Gotytom is a global champion, having won gold at the 2022 World Athletics Championships Marathon. She is a true competitor who excels when the pressure is highest. 🔥

SISSON, Emily (USA) - PR: 2:18:23 (National Record) 🇺🇸 Emily proudly holds the American Record in the marathon! She headlines a strong domestic field and will be gunning for both a high finish and perhaps another record-breaking performance. Go Team USA! 🇺🇸

CHERUIYOT, Vivian (Kenya) - PR: 2:18:31 🇰🇪 Vivian is a legend with Olympic Gold and Silver medals from the track. She proved her marathon power by winning the 2018 London Marathon. She brings a wealth of championship experience to the start line. 🏅

HALL, Sara (USA) - PR: 2:20:32 🇺🇸 The American Masters Record Holder is known for her tenacity and fighting spirit. On a personal note, Sara and her husband, Ryan Hall, adopted four sisters from Ethiopia, making their family truly global! ❤️

O’KEEFFE, Fiona (USA) - PR: 2:22:10 🇺🇸 What a debut! Fiona is the 2024 U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials Winner, setting a Trials record in her first-ever marathon. She is the newest American star who clearly thrives under pressure. 🌟

SEIDEL, Molly (USA) - PR: 2:23:07 🇺🇸 Molly is an Olympic Bronze Medalist in the marathon—a huge achievement! Fun fact: she qualified for the Olympics in her first completed marathon, proving she’s a natural on the roads. 🥉

MCCOLGAN, Eilish (Great Britain) - PR: 2:24:25 🇬🇧 Running is a family affair for Eilish! She is coached by her mother, Liz McColgan, who happens to be the 1991 NYC Marathon Champion. Eilish is continuing a proud family tradition in New York. 👨‍👩‍👧

BRUCE, Stephanie (USA) - PR: 2:27:47 🇺🇸 Stephanie is an elite runner with a powerful story of perseverance. She was diagnosed with Celiac disease in 2010 but has successfully navigated her career to become a top American marathoner. She is a great role model for overcoming challenges. 💪

Wheelchair Divisions

Men's Wheelchair Division

HUG, Marcel (Switzerland) - PR: 1:15:33 🇨🇭 Known as the "Silver Bullet," Marcel is a six-time NYC Marathon Champion and the current course record holder! He is a dominant force and is chasing his fourth consecutive NYC win. ⚙️

ROMANCHUK, Daniel (USA) - PR: 1:20:37 🇺🇸 Daniel is the defending 2024 NYC Marathon Wheelchair Champion. He made history as the youngest-ever winner of the Boston Marathon at just 20 years old! He's one of the few athletes who can match Hug's speed and strategy. 🚀

SUZUKI, Tomoki (Japan) - PR: 1:18:37 🇯🇵 A strong competitor from Japan and a Paralympic medalist, Tomoki is a consistent fixture on the World Marathon Majors circuit. His battle with the frontrunners will be electric! ⚡

CASSIDY, Josh (Canada) - PR: 1:18:25 🇨🇦 Josh is the 2012 Boston Marathon Champion. Fun fact: his childhood sports idol was NHL goalie Patrick Roy, which might explain his focused, defensive approach to racing! 🥅

WEIR, David (Great Britain) - PR: 1:22:12 🇬🇧 He is famously nicknamed "The Weirwolf." David is a London 2012 Paralympic legend, having won four gold medals at his home Games, making him one of the most decorated athletes ever! 🐺

Women's Wheelchair Division

SCARONI, Susannah (USA) - PR: 1:27:31 (NR) 🇺🇸 Susannah is the defending 2024 NYC Marathon Wheelchair Champion and the current American record holder. She is consistently at the top of the sport and will be looking to dominate again. 🏆

SCHÄR, Manuela (Switzerland) - PR: 1:28:17 🇨🇭 A dominant force in the sport, Manuela is a three-time NYC Marathon Champion. She’s an absolute powerhouse who guarantees a fast and competitive race! 🥇

DEBRUNNER, Catherine (Switzerland) - PR: 1:34:16 🇨🇭 Catherine is a major winner and Paralympic medalist. She is known for her explosive speed, making her a formidable challenger in any race she enters. Watch for her powerful bursts of pace! 💥

MCFADDEN, Tatyana (USA) - PR: 1:31:30 🇺🇸 Tatyana is a five-time NYC Marathon Champion and one of the most decorated American Paralympic athletes in history. She is a true marathon icon! 🌟