Evergreen Keitany craves for fifth NYC title

New York Marathon champion Mary Keitany during an interview with Nation Sport at their home in Iten, Elgeyo-Marakwet County on October 27, 2019. She will be defending her title in new York on November 3. PHOTO | JARED NYATAYA |

What you need to know:

  • Former London Marathon champ tells upcoming runners to shun drugs
  • Winner four times and counting, the athlete steps up to the plate again on Sunday

Four-time champion Mary Keitany is on a mission as she targets to win the New York Marathon for a fifth time on Sunday.

The all-women marathon World Record holder won the NYC Marathon for the fourth Time last year after beating compatriot Vivian Cheruiyot and USA’s Shalane Flanagan, who came in second and third, respectively, by more than three minutes. Keitany previously won the race in 2014, 2015 and 2016.

In an exclusive interview with Nation Sport, Keitany said she has prepared well and is ready to fight for the title.

“I’m ready to go to New York and fight to defend my title again for the fifth time having won it four times. I know it’s not easy, but I’m certain the three months training I have undergone will enable me to do my best,” said Keitany.

“I’m happy that I have won the race (New York Marathon) several times and again if I’m to win this time it will turn out historical. To me and my family, winning this marathon the fifth time will be a great achievement.”

WON AGAIN

For the fourth time in five years, Keitany sped past more than 50,000 runners to win the women’s race with a time of 2 hours, 22 minutes, and 48 seconds last year. This made her time the second fastest in the history of the New York race. Kenya's Margaret Okayo holds the course record of 2:22:31 set in 2003.

Keitany joined Grete Waitz as the only woman to win the New York City Marathon four times or more. She will have to win a few more times to beat Waitz’s record, though. Between 1978 and 1988, the Norwegian runner won the marathon nine times.

Keitany said that the secret to prosperity requires athletes to train well and athletes must learn to persevere because nothing comes easy. She said one should have a dream and must be focused. They ought to have an attitude and should be mentally focused so as to fulfil their goals.

For Keitany, discipline and perseverance are key in her sports career. "You must put God first for you to prosper," she said.

The athlete said training may not be easy but athletes must be disciplined if they are to succeed in sports. Some promising athletes have destroyed their careers due to indiscipline.

MORE RECORDS

Keitany cites cases where some athletes resort to taking shortcuts by taking drugs to enhance their performance instead of training. As a result, she said some young people have ruined their careers.

“There is no shortcut to prosperity, it's hard work. With discipline and focus, nothing is impossible. You can go far and succeed in life without using drugs, a substance that could ruin your career,” Keitany cautioned fellow athletes.

"If you want to be great, use the right channel," she further advised.

“If you run clean, you can succeed. I have an image to protect that’s why I struggle to maintain a clean image. I will do whatever it takes to ensure my career is not tainted."

Keitany commended her husband and coach Charles Koech for supporting her. She said that he had contributed to her success tremendously. She also thanked her children for motivating her and giving her time to train and relax.

Keitany set the women-only marathon record when she won the London Marathon in 2017. She has also held records for best half marathon time and best 10-mile time. She also has titles from London Marathon she won in 2012, 2016, and 2017.