New York wins for Fearnley, Hunkeler

Reigning champions Kurt Fearnley (pictured) and Edith Hunkeler successfully defended their titles at a blustery New York Marathon.

Australian Fearnley used different tactics from usual and broke from the field at the eight-mile mark.

The Beijing marathon gold medallist maintained his lead over the next 18 miles, crossing the line in a time of 1:44:50. “New York is the highlight of my year,” he said. Masazumi Soejima of Japan was second in 1:46:10, while Mexico’s Aaron Gordian was third
in 1:46:57.

The margin of victory in the women’s race was even more comfortable, with Paralympic champ Hunkeler dominating from the start.

The Swiss athlete made it four out of four New York Marathon wins with a time of 2:06:42, some five minutes ahead of American Amanda McGrory. Hunkeler said: “I’ve never had a race like that. I felt well with my time because all of the athletes here had the same tough conditions.”

Britain’s Shelly Woods was beaten into fourth place after a photo-finish.