Reigning New York City marathon champion Albert Korir is optimistic that he will be defending his title at the 2022 New York City marathon set for November 6th in the United States of America.
Korir, the winner 2018 Valencia marathon said that his focus will be to defend his title he won last year after he was named in the provisional start list alongside Boston marathon champion Evans Chebet in one of the world marathon major marathon races that has Tokyo, Chicago, Boston, Berlin and London marathons across the world.
“I have the power and urge to retain my title when I will be at the starting line-up in the New York City marathon. Returning to the course in three years in a row is not easy but I will do my best,” he said.
After finishing second in 2019, the race was cancelled in 2020 due to coronavirus pandemic and came to 2021 to improve his potion to win the title.
“Am lucky to be back at the race that I have always cherished a lot. I have seen my competitors and it will not be a walk in the park but hard work will be employed to win,” he said.
Korir added that he has been training well despite the race being three months away in readiness for the race after winning the title in 2:08.22 ahead of Mhamed El Aaraby in 2:0906 in second position as Eyob Faniel completing the podium in 2:09.56. compatriot Elkanah Kibet was 4th after timing 2:11/15 and Abdi nageeye completed the top five finishers in 2:11.39.
After winning the race, Korir went ahead to finish 6th at the Boston marathon in April and will be returning to New York after running only one race in between.
“Since I won New York, I only competed at the Boston race because I don’t run many races. I only run marathons, not even half marathons or 10km or any road race. I concentrate on marathons only,” said Korir.