Hassan eyes New York return armed with lessons from brutal Big Apple debut

Aug 19 : Olympic champion Sifan Hassan has learned just how unforgiving the TCS New York City Marathon course can be and believes that knowledge could prove crucial when she returns for the November 1 race alongside defending champion Hellen Obiri.

The Dutch runner, who became the first woman to win Olympic medals in the marathon (gold), 5,000 metres (bronze) and 10,000 metres (bronze) at the same Games in Paris 2024, will return for her second New York appearance after a punishing debut last year.

"The course is very hard," Hassan said in a video call with media on Tuesday. "The positive part was really the crowd was very loud. So next time I don't need that much caffeine when I run.

"New York last year really tested me. I pushed so hard and I suffered a lot."

Obiri clocked two hours, 19 minutes and 51 seconds to win last year's event, while Hassan struggled to finish sixth in 2:24.43.

Obiri returns after lowering her personal best to a blistering 2:15.53 when she finished runner-up in London in April.

The Kenyan, who made her marathon debut in New York in 2022 and then won there in 2023, is embracing the challenge that comes with arriving as champion.

"New York has been like my home," Obiri said. "Of course, I'm coming here to defend my title and to run a good race."

Hassan said last year's experience had given her a better understanding of the demanding layout.

"Now whenever I think of New York, I know where it is hard," she said. "I can recognise all the New York Marathon, so it will be easier I think this year."

Last year, the 33-year-old won the Sydney Marathon two months before New York and said the short turnaround took its toll.

"The marathon humbles you," Hassan said. "Both (New York and Sydney) really humbled me."

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