Keitany wins third straight New York City marathon

Kenyan Mary Keitany andEritrean world champion Ghirmay Ghebreslassie powered to dominant victories Sunday in the New York City Marathon.

Keitany broke from the women’s pack early in the race and finished in 2 hours, 24 minutes and 26 seconds. No other woman competitor was in sight as she crossed the finish line.

The 34-year-old runner is the first woman to win three marathons in a row since Grete Waitz was five from 1982 to 1986, according to the New York Times.

Compatriot Sally Kipyego took second in 2:28.01 and U.S. Olympian Molly Huddle made her marathon debut in an impressive 2:28:13 for third.

The 20-year-old Ghebreslassie won the men’s race in an unofficial two hours, seven minutes and 51 seconds, more than a minute ahead of Kenyan Lucas Rotich.

Third went to 39-year-old American Abdi Abdirahman (2:11:23).

Defending champion Stanley Biwott, suffering from calf problems, was never a factor and dropped out before 15km.

Reuters contributed to this report.