Mary Keitany To Challenge Edna Kiplagat At New York Mini 10K
The London Marathon winner will race this year's Boston Marathon champion on June 10 through the streets of New York City.
In what is expected to be a dramatic rush through Central Park, marathon winners Mary Keitany (London) and Edna Kiplagat (Boston) will square off June 10 in the New York Mini 10K.
Keitany, 35, broke the women’s world marathon record in London earlier this year with a blistering 2:17:01. The Kenyan, a mother of two, is also the three-time defending New York City Marathon champ, so there’s already a history of success running in the Big Apple.
Kiplagat, 37, won her Boston debut earlier this year, posting a 2:21:52. Also a Kenyan, Kiplagat isn’t a stranger to New York running either. She won her New York City Marathon debut in 2010.
Each woman also has experience winning the New York Mini with Keitany’s victory coming in 2015 and Kiplagat’s in 2012.
“She’s my neighbor and a friend, too,” Keitany said of Kiplagat. “It is really amazing. It’s really nice to race against each other. I have been to New York for a number of years, winning the TCS New York City Marathon three times. I love to race in New York.”
The pair headlines a collection of professional athletes from 10 different countries—including 11 Olympians—in what was the world’s first road race exclusively for women when it was started in 1972. Back then it was known as the Crazylegs Mini Marathon.
“What better way to celebrate the legacy of the world’s first all-women’s road race than to have Mary and Edna leading a world-class pro field,” said Jacki (Marsh) Dixon, winner of the first Mini 10K. “It will be a guaranteed treat for the thousands of women running along with these esteemed athletes.”
Other notable participants scheduled to compete include Joyce Chepkirui (28, Kenya), Mamitu Daska (33, Ethiopia), Jo Pavey (43, Great Britain), Betsy Saina (28, Kenya) and Alaphine Tuliamuk (28, Santa Fe, N.M.).
Other U.S. participants include Natosha Rogers, Amy Van Alstine and Caroline Williams.
“I am looking forward to running a face race before this summer’s World Championships in London,” Kiplagat said. “The New York Mini 10K is another great opportunity to race with great women, including our new world-record holder in the marathon.”
The runners will compete for a prize purse of $35,150, with $10,000 going to the winner.