Vivian salutes Keitany after New York victory

First placed Mary Keitany of Kenya celebrates alongside second placed Vivian Cheruiyot of Kenya after the Professional Women's [Courtesy]

Vivian Cheruiyot has praised Mary Keitany after she clinched her fourth New York City Marathon title on Sunday.

“Congratulations to Mary Keitany, who was very strong today,” Cheruiyot posted on her Facebook page after finishing second at the race.

Keitany, who is also a three-time London Marathon champion (2011, 2012 and 2017) crossed the half marathon mark in 1:15:50 before blasting the second half in 66:58 to win in 2:22:48.

Mary Keitany clinched her fourth New York City Marathon title on Sunday [Courtesy]

She held off Cheruiyot, who timed 2:26:02 to finish second and defending champion Shalane Flanagan of the USA, who was third in 2:26:22.

Cheruiyot said she suffered an injury that affected her training and preparation for the NY race.