Mary Keitany will be going for history, chasing her 5th New York City marathon next Sunday.
The four-time title winner will go into history books, becoming the first woman to win the title five times, beating Grete Waitz who won the title four times.
Last year, the defending became the second woman to win the title in the open division four times, running the fastest time in event history in 2:22:48.
As she intensifies her training in Iten, Keitany said she is not leaving anything for a chance as she wants to make history in the USA come 3rd November 2019.
“My training is going on well in readiness to defend my title and make history. I have been performing well and I wish to replicate the same when the competition time knocks in,” said the 2015 London marathon champion.
Keitany missed to quadruple in 2017 after she finished second behind Shalane Flanagan, who became the 5th American to win the title.
First, she won the title in 2014 (2:25.07), defended in 2015 clocking 2:24.25 and hit a hat trick the following year in 2:24.26 before losing in 2017 and recaptured in 2018 with a better time of 2:22.48.
She queen of added that her focus is to ensure she leaves a mark in USA. Despite heavy rain pounding in the region, hindering part of her training programmes, she is optimistic of great results.
“I have not faced much challenges despite too much rain on the training course but that will not stop my ambitions for the title come Sunday morning,” added Keitany.
In 2017, the mother of two ran the women’s only world marathon record after winning London marathon in 2:17:01.
Apart from chasing the title, she will also be chasing her third Abbott World Marathon Majors following her victory in 2012 and 2016.
She will be challenging her compatriot Vivian Cheruiyot, who won 2018 London marathon title.
Others include Worknesh Degefa, Ruti Aga, world half marathon record holder Joyceline Jepkosgei.
Additional reporting The Star Newspaper