Buzunesh Deba Eyes New York City Marathon Win

She could be the first New Yorker to win in 37 years.

According to her husband and coach Worku Beyi, Ethiopian-born runner Buzunesh Deba isn’t taking part in some local race; she’s “is in the big race this time.”

Were she to win that big race, Deba would be the first New Yorker to do so since 1974.

She’s definitely got the resume to do it. At the Dodge Rock ‘n’ Roll San Diego Marathon in June, Deba clocked 2:23:31. This speedy time was achieved with a stunning 1:09:53 in the downhill first half. “In San Diego she ran the first 5K in 16:0-something,” Beyi said. “Her 10K time was 32 minutes, she was on world-record pace. Then until 23 miles, she was on sub-2:20 pace.”

Deba has been putting in the work required to win the five-borough race. Her coach says she’s logged 130 miles in doubles. She’s now down to 90 miles.

Deba arrived in New York City in 2007 on an athlete’s visa. Her early racing career in the United States was hampered by chronic ankle problems. But she ultimately found her stride with key victories in 2009 and 2010.

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