A Kenyan-born Army first lieutenant was the top American finisher in the 2021 New York City Marathon Sunday.
Elkanah Kibet, 38, ran a 26-second personal best, covering the 26.2-mile course in 2:11:15. He finished just under three minutes behind the winner, Albert Korir of Kenya.
“The people were wonderful,” Kibet told the New York Times, adding that his race result surprised even himself.
“I wasn’t expecting this, but I just went for it and I was hanging as much as I could with the lead group,” Kibet continued.
Kibet earned $25,000 for his fourth place finish and another $25,000 for being the top American male finisher.
"Last night I told my coach I just want to come here again. Even before I ran the race I liked the atmosphere," he told the media after finishing. "People were wonderful, they were cheering very loud and that kept me motivated to go hard."
The financial management technician is also a member of the U.S. Army World Class Athlete Program.
"The main reason why I wanted to become a U.S. citizen is because I came to this country and I was given opportunity to go to school and I wanted so much to give back to the community and say thank you," he said.
Mohamed El Aaraby of Morocco and Eyob Faniel of Italy finished in second and third after breaking away from the main pack after seven miles.
Related
Reach Julia LeDoux at Julia@connectingvets.com.