Mary Keitany eyes course record in New York marathon

Mary Keitany of Kenya crosses the finish line first in the women's division of the New York City Marathon in New York, Sunday, Nov. 4, 2018. [AP Photo/Seth Wenig]

It will be a show of class in the New York City women’s marathon on Sunday as four-time winner Mary Keitany sets her eyes on the 16-year-old course record.

Keitany, 37, will be facing Ethiopian Ruti Aga, 25, who has been impressive in recent competitions.

Despite Keitany’s dominance in numerous races, Margaret Okayo’s 2:22:31 course record has stood for 16 years, making it the second-oldest CR of the six World Marathon Majors after Brigid Kosgei erased Paula Radcliffe‘s 16-year-old Chicago CR in October.

Last year, Keitany gave it the best shot, missing the long standing CR by only 17 seconds after recording a time of 2:22:48.

Aga had bagged four straight top-two finishes in major marathons before dropping out of the World Championships marathon last month. The Ethiopian star, who has a personal best of 2:18:34, is the ninth fastest marathoner in history and is expected to pose the greatest challenge to the experienced Keitany.

Last year, Keitany was even more impressive as she improved her time by three minutes and 14 seconds. In 2016, the Kaptagat-based athlete won her third title by a margin of 3:35.

Another challenge is expected from debutant and world half marathon record holder Joyciline Jepkosgei.

It will be historic for Jepkosgei, should she win in New York, because no woman debutant has won the NYC race since Tegla Loroupe in 1994.