New York Marathon

Meb Keflezighi’s chances of finishing first during this year ‘s New York Marathon have increased for the Eritrean-American runner.

Four-time Boston Marathon winner Robert Kipkoech Cheruiyot and three-time London Marathon champion Martin Lel will not run in next month’s New York Marathon due to injuries, reports AFP. Both Kenyans were expected to be among title contenders in the November 7 race.

Lel, who won the New York crown in 2003 and 2007, will miss the race because of a right leg injury while Cheruiyot, last year’s New York runner-up to Eritrean-born American Meb Keflezighi, was sidelined by a groin injury. Cheruiyot, 32, captured his most recent Boston crown in 2008 and Lel, 31, was fifth at the 2008 Beijing Olympic marathon.

Marathon world record-holder Haile Gebrselassie of Ethiopia, making his New York debut, and Keflezighi top the remaining field, which also includes two-time New York winner Marilson Gomes dos Santos of Brazil and Kenyan Abel Kirui.