Keitany to be inducted into New York Marathon Hall of Fame
Three-time London Marathon champion Mary Keitany laughs during an interview at their home in Iten, Elgeyo-Marakwet County on August 31, 2020.
What you need to know:
- That would be the turning point for Keitany, who was by then a half marathon specialist.
- When she returned to training in 2009 after one-year maternity leave, her eyes were fixed on the full marathon.
- She won the London Marathon in 2011.
Women's only World marathon record holder Mary Keitany will be inducted into the 2022 New York Road Races Hall of Fame in USA on November 4.
Keitany’s name appears in the official website of NYRR together with American Art Hall as candidates for induction this year.
NYRR Hall of Fame honours the legendary figures in the sport who through their triumphs and contributions have made the New York Marathon races what they are today.
Nominees are professional athletes, legendary runners, or race directors who have either already retired or will be retiring the year of their induction.
Keitany has won the New York Marathon women’s elite race four times, 2014, 2015, 2016 and 2018.
“I’m glad I have been listed for the induction to the Hall of Fame this year. This is due to my hard work while still active in competition. I started my career for marathon races in New York and after retirement, I’m happy I will be going back to be honoured,” said Keitany.
Keitany finished third in her inaugural New York Marathon in 2010 in a time of 2:29:01 and finished in the same position a year later in the same race but with a vastly improved time of 2:23:38.
She finally won first New York title in 2014 timing 2:25:07 before retaining her crown in 2015 and 2016.
In 2017, she finished in second position before winning the 2018 edition. She again finished second in 2019.
Before retiring from competitive running last year aged 39, Keitany was a force to reckon in marathon races and one of her favourite was London Marathon.
Her first call up to the Majors marathon was back in 2007 where she ran as a pace setter.
“I was tasked to pace Lorna Kiplagat, Gete Wami and the rest of the elite runners. I remember I had been asked by the race organiser to pace until the 21km but I exceeded to 26km just to test my body which was responding well at that time,” said Keitany.
