NEW YORK, Nov 1: Rodgers Rop and Joyce Chepchumba aim to complete a rare double when they defend their New York City marathon titles on Sunday.

The Kenyan duo, friends and training partners, were surprise winners of the men’s and women’s races respectively 12 months ago and say the challenge of securing back-to-back titles in New York has become a daunting one.

“There is so much competition, and the fields are always very strong,” Rop, who only took up serious distance running two years ago, told reporters on Friday.

“It will be a great achievement if we can do it.”

Chepchumba, an experienced athlete but who was overlooked as a contender in 2002, added: “New York is one of the hardest courses in the world, so you cannot put too much pressure on yourself.

“I feel in great shape and I will try to win, but this will be my third marathon this year, and I am not used to running more than two in a year.”

The course records in both the men’s and women’s races are not likely to be threatened, with the elite athletes and remaining 34,000 entrants having to contend with what is expected to be an unusually warm November day in New York on Sunday.

If he wins, Rop will become the first man to successfully defend his New York title since compatriot John Kagwe’s second triumph in 1998.

In 2002, Rop became only the fourth male athlete to win Boston and New York in the same year.

“What I did last year changed my life...now I often get recognised back home in Kenya,” the 27-year-old said.

Another first place on Sunday, and the $100,000 winners’ cheque, would continue to affect it. “We have sisters and relatives who we have to assist (financially)...to improve the lifestyle for each and every one,” he said.

Chepchumba, the 32-year-old who won marathon bronze at the 2000 Sydney Olympics, can become the first to secure successive New York victories since Kenyan Tegla Loroupe in 1995.

Rivals to Rop’s and Chepchumba’s crowns are numerous, with Kenyans Catherine Ndereba and Margaret Okayo and the Netherlands’s Lornah Kiplagat expected to contest the $100,000 women’s first prize.

In the men’s race, Kenyan Martin Lel has been tipped for glory, while seasoned campaigners Christopher Cheboiboch and Laban Kipkemboi will also pose a threat.

The European challenge is led by Julio Rey, hoping to become the first Spaniard to win the New York marathon.—Reuters