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A Race Like No Other
The 44th Running of the New York City Marathon - The Women's Race
by John Elliott
Stories Into the Race
photo: Victah Sailer/PhotoRun
The Women's Start
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Besides the race, the talk leading into the 2014 New York City Marathon was that of the positive A-Test of Rita Jeptoo, the two-time Chicago and Boston Marathon champion, for banned substances. With that test, the status of the World Marathon Majors series title - presumptively awarded to Jeptoo - was in flux. If Jeptoo were to be disqualified, then Edna Kiplagat - running the NYC Marathon - would win the title and bonus. Also of interest was that the defending champion, Priscah Jeptoo (no relation) had removed herself from the field a month earlier due to injuries; and the race hustled to find a suitable replacement, poaching the prior year Chicago Marathon runner-up and having her withdraw from the Chicago field to run New York. Also of interest to Americans was the number of the USA's best women who were signed up for the race, including some who were just coming back to the marathon. In the field from the USA were Desiree Linden, Kara Goucher, Deena Kastor, Annie Bersagel and Blake Russell - each with their own story.
photo: Caroline Mather
The Women's Leaders
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Ten Women
Despite the strong wind that affected the wheelchair marathon earlier and would affect the men's marathon later - the women started the race at a reasonable pace; a pace that would have the women finish in a 2:27-2:28 time. Through 18 miles, ten women ran together; led often and surprisingly by Sara Moreira of Portugal in her debut marathon. Edna Kiplagat, one of the favorites, was the first to fall back from the pack, while American Desiree Linden confused all watching as she would alternately fall back and then catch back up....
The Tail Wind
The NYC Marathon course runs North for its first 21 miles and then turns South. With the wind from the North, the women must have been hesitant to be overly agressive, but into miles 22 and 23, the pace increased significantly as Mary Keitany tried to seal the deal for the win. Of the field, only Jemima Sumgong (the late entrant) was able to stick with Keitany and over the last four miles the race was between these two women. We watched as the women ran through Central Park and Sumgong looked strong and cut the tangents well; while Keitany also looked strong but seemed to take the longer path and lost some small ground. Coming out of Central Park, with less than a mile to go, we waited to see who would make the first move and whether the other - evenly matched - woman would counter. Ultimately, with a two hundred yards to go, Keitany pushed ahead. Sumgong increased her pace, but could not quite keep up and Keitany would take the win in 2:25:07 with Sumgong three seconds back - matching the closest finish ever for the marathon.
Behind the Leaders
Amazingly, Sara Moreira in her debut marathon took third place in 2:26:00 - an impressive debut. A bit behind, Jelena Prokupcuk finished in fourth place in 2:26:15 and well behind Desiree Linden finished fifth in 2:28:11.
photo: Victah Sailer/PhotoRun
The American Women
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The Americans
Desiree Linden demonstrated, again, that she is one of America's best and most consistent. Annie Bersagel - the 2013 USA Marathon Champion - finished strong in 10th place in 2:33:02, showing that she will be a competitor for a spot on the Olympic Team. Just behind her, Deena Kastor finished in 11th place in 2:33:18, a good time for a 41 year old woman making her marathon comeback. Kara Goucher, struggling to get back to the shape she was in before having a child, was disappointed and visibly crying as she crossed the finish line in 14th place in 2:37:03. Despite that, and because she cares so much - let's watch for Goucher to impress in the next couple of years.
Top Finishers
photo: Victah Sailer/PhotoRun
Post Race: Keitany and Sumgong
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1. Mary Keitany (KEN) 2:25:07 - $100,000 + $25,000
2. Jemima Sumgong (KEN) 2:25:10 - $60,000 + $25,000
3. Sara Moreira (POR) 2:26:00 - $40,000 + $15,000
4. Jelena Prokopcuka (LAT) 2:26:15 - $25,000 + $15,000
5. Desiree Linden (USA) 2:28:11 - $15,000
6. Rkia El Moukim (MAR) 2:28:12 - $12,500
7. Firehiwot Dado (ETH) 2:28:36 - $10,000
8. Valeria Straneo (ITA) 2:29:24 - $5,000
9. Buzunesh Deba (ETH) 2:31:40 - $3,000
10. Annie Bersagel (USA) 2:33:02 - $2,000
11. Deena Kastor (USA) 2:33:18 - $1,500 + $3,000
12. Ana Dulce Felix (POR) 2:35:33 - $1,000
13. Edna Kiplagat (KEN) 2:36:24
14. Kara Goucher (USA) 2:37:03
15. Lauren Kleppin (USA) 2:39:13
Other women below the USA Olympic Trials standard:
16. Alia Gray (USA) 2:39:43
17. Marci Gage (USA) 2:40:00
18. Hilary Dionne (USA) 2:40:54
Coverage Homepage
Post Race:
Men's Post-Race |
Women's Post-Race
| Complete Searchable Results
Pre-Race:
Men:
Men's Preview & Starter List
Women:
Women's Preview & Starter List
Head-to-Heads: Elite Athlete Past Matchups
Extras:
Pace Calculator/Pace Guide/Viewing |
Videos (Athletes/Archival/More...)
More News:
Press Releases |
News (other sources)
Featured Book/Movie:
Run For Your Life |
A Race Like No Other
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