Millions of Kenyan athletes have the potential to excel at the New York Marathon.

Hellen Obiri will lead a six-member team at the New York Marathon 2024 on Sunday, November 3, as they aim to compete in the year’s final marathon.

This Kenyan contingent is part of a star-studded lineup vying for a total prize of Ksh12.9 million for the winners of this prestigious event.

Joining Obiri are Sharon Lokedi, Evans Chebet, Geoffrey Kamworor, Abel Kipchumba, and Albert Korir. The race offers significant rewards, with the winners set to receive $100,000 (Ksh13 million), second-place finishers earning $60,000 (Ksh7 million), and third-place athletes receiving $40,000 (Ksh5 million).

Defending champion Hellen Obiri is optimistic about retaining her title, having won the 2023 New York Marathon with a time of two hours, 27 minutes, and 23 seconds, following her victory at the 2023 Boston Marathon.

“Marathons can be unpredictable, but I’m looking forward to running a beautiful and enjoyable race,” Obiri said in a recent interview with the New York Marathon on Friday.

Runners finishing fourth through sixth will take home $25,000 (Ksh3 million), $15,000 (Ksh1.9 million), and $10,000 (Ksh1.2 million), respectively.

Those crossing the finish line in seventh, eighth, and ninth place will earn $7,500 (Ksh967,500), $5,000 (Ksh645,000), and $2,500 (Ksh322,500), with tenth place receiving $2,000 (Ksh258,000).

Over her two appearances in the New York City Marathon, Obiri has earned $110,000 (Ksh14 million). Sharon Lokedi, who narrowly lost to Obiri earlier this year, is also vying for victory this time.

In an extraordinary achievement, the 34-year-old won both the Boston and New York City Marathons in the same year, making her the first woman to do so in 34 years.

Obiri has also secured two Boston Marathon titles, amassing a total of $300,000 (Ksh38.6 million) in prize money, according to the Boston Athletics Association. The 2024 New York Marathon promises to be competitive, but Obiri is confident about her chances.

“After Paris, I took some weeks off before starting my training, so I’m monitoring my body and recovery,” she explained to reporters regarding her preparation.

Ethiopia’s Tirunesh Dibaba, a three-time Olympic gold medalist in the 5,000m and 10,000m, is expected to debut in this race, posing tough competition.

Additionally, Great Britain’s Lily Partridge, with a personal best marathon time of 2:25:12, will also be competing, adding to the race’s intensity.