Salina Kosgei takes her third Lisbon Half Marathon win (© Marcelino Almeida)
Kenyan Boston Marathon winner Salina Kosgei will bid to double up and clinch victory in the New York City marathon next month.
Meeting organisers have confirmed the participation of the world-class Kenyan, who was tenth at the Beijing Olympic Marathon.
The 32-year-old, fourth in New York in 2005, currently looks the toughest rival in the field for Britain’s Paula Radcliffe as she seeks a fourth victory in the race.
Radcliffe, who enjoyed her first triumph at the event in 2004, is currently recovering from a bout of tonsilitis which denied her the chance to chase a fourth IAAF World Half Marathon title in Birmingham last weekend.
Robert Kipkoech Cheruiyot, who has won four Boston crowns, has also been added to the men's field for the race on November 1.
“Like all Boston Marathon winners, Robert and Salina are proven champions,”
race director Mary Wittenberg said. “They'll both be looking to join the elite few who've become champions of both races.”
Kenya's former World marathon record holder Paul Tergat has withdrawn with an ongoing leg injury while Martin Fagan of Ireland will also be absent. He is suffering from an Achilles problem which he feels will prevent him completing the race.
Jelena Prokopcuka is another who will not start the race around the five boroughs. Latvia's two-time champion is pregnant.
Organisers and Agencies for the IAAF
