Will the Olympic champion run in the next New York Marathon?

Ethiopian Tamirat Tola has confirmed that he will defend the title of New York Marathon champion, which he won last year with a track record, just a few weeks after winning Olympic gold in Paris. Tola hopes to become the second marathon runner who managed to become the Olympic champion and the champion of one of the five largest world marathons in the same year.

The Ethiopian says that his inspiration for participating in this year’s marathon in New York is the Kenyan Peres Jepchirchir, who celebrated in the “Big Apple” after winning at the Tokyo Olympic Games in 2021.

“I did actually speak with Peres when we ran together in London. She said to me that just as she won the Olympics and New York, that she believes that I can do the same thing as well,” Tola said in his statement to Reuters.

In Paris, Tola won the gold medal, setting an Olympic record. While he is well-suited for the New York course, the close timing of the two races is something that’s causing him concern.

“I’ve been recovering well, and I’ve begun training a little bit. I trust the training that the coach gives me. New York is a course that I like,” Tola said.

Tola will not be the sole Olympian with a medal from Paris to grace the New York Marathon; Hellen Obiri, the bronze medalist, will also be present to defend the title she clinched last year in New York.

So, all you long-distance running fans, mark your calendars for the upcoming New York Marathon, which is scheduled for November 3.