CHEPKIRUI DIGS DEEP TO CLINCH 1ST MAJOR

She leads Kenyan sweep of women's race in NY marathon as Nageeye takes men's crown

NEW YORK - Kenyan Sheila Chepkirui was well aware of the esteemed company that she was keeping in the late stages of the New York City Marathon on the morning of Nov 3.

To her right was Hellen Obiri, the defending women's champion and a two-time Boston Marathon winner. And then there was Vivian Cheruiyot, one of Kenya's most decorated distance runners and a four-time world champion on the track.

Chepkirui's resume was comparatively modest. But that began to change once a three-woman race turned into a duel as Chepkirui and Obiri reached Central Park together, the finish line nearly within sight.

Obiri, who tends to energetically swing her arms with every stride, equal parts metronome and prizefighter, is known for her closing kick. But on this day, Chepkirui seemed to diminish her rival's powers by systematically ratcheting up the pace, gaining enough separation to leave Obiri in her wake.

"I said to myself, 'Let me give it my best'," Chepkirui said.