by Mutwiri Mutuota and Agencies

Former women world marathon record holder and long distance legend, Tegla Loroupe, has been honoured as one of ‘Marathoners of the Decades’ as part of celebrations of the 40th New York Marathon.

Loroupe, who will compete at the November 1 event was the women’s honouree for the 1990s following her feat of being the first African woman to win a major marathon when she clinched the 1994 New York crown in 2:27:37.

The West Pokot born runner successively defended her title the following year in 2:27:37 and went on to break the world record twice, first at Rotterdam where clocked 2:20:47 in 1998 before lowering the mark a year later in Berlin where she ran 2:20:43.

Among other distance legends honoured were Norwegian Grete Waitz (1980s), the nine-time women’s winner of the event as well as defending champion and thrice champion, Briton Paula Radcliffe (2000s), the current world record holder who will be going for a fourth title this year.

No Kenyan male runners were honoured in the list that was decided by a distinguished panel of international sports journalists and broadcasters and New York Road Runners staff.

It made the selections by voting for one man and one woman from each decade since the first running of the race in 1970. The winners were chosen for their accomplishments in New York and the lasting legacy of their triumphs in the sport of long-distance running.

Ibrahim Hussein (1987), Douglas Wakiihuri (1990), John Kagwe (1997 and 1998), Joseph Chebet (1999), Rodgers Rop (2002), Martin Lel (2003 and 2007) and former world marathon record holder, Paul Tergat (2005) are some of illustrious Kenyan male runners that have soared in New York.

Two-time winner, Margaret Okayo (2001 and 2003) who set the 2:22:31 course record on her second triumph and Joyce Chepchumba the 2002 winner are the other female champions of the Big Apple race.

Meanwhile, Radcliffe will attempt to be the first woman to capture four World Half Marathon (WHM) Championships