Three times Vienna marathon champion Nancy Kiprop will be making her debut at the world marathon majors after she was named in the provisional squad for the 2019 New York City marathon set for 3rd November in the USA.
Kiprop, who scooped a hat trick in the 2019 Vienna title timing 2:22.12 as her personal best following her 2018 and 2017 win smashing a 19 year old course record set by Maura Viceconte in 2000.
“When I ran 2:22.12 in Vienna, I knew good things were ahead of me. I will be making my debut with a surprise in the USA. I know the field is crowded with big names that have run good time but such can’t affect my running. I have been training well for the races and this will be big for me,” said Kiprop.
Following her win on 7th April, she was invited to the statehouse by Austria President Alexander Van Der Bellen and for the first time, she stepped in a statehouse.
“I received the message last tonight and I was so happy. The athletes named in the race, I have never run with them but they have faced off. It will be a new challenge for me because only four of them have a better time than mine. So I will have to fight for my space,” added the Paris half marathon champion.
With her time, Kiprop was optimistic of pulling a surprise because four athletes led by defending champion Mary Keitany leads with 2:17.01 followed by Worknesh Degefa (2:17.41) of Ethiopia and Ruti Aga also from Ethiopia in 2:18.34.
“Only three athletes are above me and there is a big gap between 2:18 and 2:22 but that won’t worry me much. I have finally matured for the big races unlike in the past. Am ready to battle for the title,” concluded Kiprop.