Kenya’s Mary Keitany favored to win New York City Marathon

Mary Keitany (pictured), of Kenya came to Manhattan last year as a marathon debutante but returns as the favorite for Sunday’s New York City Marathon through the five boroughs of the Big Apple.

Keitany faded at the finish to place third in last year’s race but has gone on to win the London Marathon and set a half-marathon world record this year to set the stage for a triumphant return to New York.

“I’m not the same as last year,” 29-year-old Keitany told Reuters on Thursday. “I think I’m believing in myself since I won in London. I know myself better, that I can do it.”

Fastest in the field in 29-year-old Keitany, who won London in 2hr 19.19mins, the sixth fastest time by a woman marathoner, and set the half-marathon world record this year.

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