Wilson Kipsang, Mary Keitany Win Titles At NYC Marathon

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork/AP) -- Kenya's Wilson Kipsang and Mary Keitany won titles at the New York City Marathon on Sunday, with both pulling away in the final mile.

Kipsang was the world-record holder until five weeks ago, when occasional training partner Dennis Kimetto broke the mark in Berlin. With a windy morning slowing the pace Sunday, Kipsang showed he can win a strategic race, too.

PHOTOS: 2014 TCS New York City Marathon

Keitany redeemed herself from failed tactics at her last NYC Marathon. In 2011, she surged ahead to a huge early lead only to be caught and settle for third.

Sunday was her first marathon since 2012 after taking time off because of the birth of her second child.

Fellow countrywoman Jemima Sumgong appeared to be pulling away with just over a mile left, but Keitany had one last burst left and passed her with about 800 meters remaining.

Keitany won in 2 hours, 25 minutes, 7 seconds -- 3 seconds ahead of Sumgong, matching the closest finish in the history of the women's race.

Portugal's Sara Moreira was third in her marathon debut.

Sumgong is still seeking her first major marathon title. She was also second in Boston in 2012 and in Chicago in 2013.

Sumgong was making her NYC Marathon debut, a late entry after defending champion and training partner Priscah Jeptoo withdrew because of a leg injury.

Bronx resident Buzunesh Deba, of Ethiopia, was ninth after finishing as the runner-up at the last two NYC Marathons. She was seeking to become the first New Yorker to win the race in 40 years.

Kipsang finished in 2:10:55 -- more than 7 1/2 minutes off his former record. He has now won titles in Berlin, London and New York in just over 13 months and clinched the $500,000 World Marathon Majors bonus.

Ethiopia's Lelisa Desisa was second, 8 seconds back, and 2010 champ Gebre Gebremariam third. Boston Marathon champ Meb Keflezighi, of the United States, was fourth. Two-time defending champion Geoffrey Mutai settled for sixth.

The 51,000 participants in the marathon braved 40-degree temperatures and gusty winds to race from Staten Island to Central Park.

Opinions on whether it was good running weather were mixed.

"I love the cold," one woman told 1010 WINS' Derricke Dennis. "I hate the heat. So I was praying for the cold here today."

"The wind is crazy," one man said. "It's going to be hard blowing in our faces."

Among the first time marathoners was CBS2's Kristine Johnson and Jessica Schneider.

From the start the going got tough, CBS2's Dave Carlin reported.

"It was so windy. The winds were blowing us backwards and forwards and sideways," Johnson said.

"I'm in serious pain," Schneider admitted.

But both were tougher than their struggles.

Johnson fought through dehydration to get to the finish line. She said the crowd got her through it.

"Just to see the sea of people. The people were so encouraging," she said.

For Johnson, Schneider, and other first-timers, finishing what they started was what mattered, Carlin reported.

The greatest rewards of finishing included a sense of accomplishment, and for Johnson, with her CBS2 friends and family.

"26.2 miles we couldn't be more proud," said CBS2's Chris Wragge. "Could not be more proud."

It wasn't just a big day for the 51,000 runners. Supports lined streets in the five boroughs shouting their words of encouragement to the competitors.

Hicksville resident Susan Oliver was out on the sidelines cheering on Kerry Oliver and Casey Rorech.

"Their first race ever. Go big or go home," she said.

"I love the New York City Marathon," fan Monica Goodwin told WCBS 880's Jim Smith on the corner of Flatbush and Fourth avenues in Brooklyn.

"It's all about a race. And sometimes you fall down, but you get up and you keep going. So to me, to see them run is motivating."

You May Also Be Interested In These Stories

(TM and © Copyright 2014 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2014 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)