NEW YORK, 6 November 2005 — World record holder Paul Tergat of Kenya adds his illustrious name to a strong field of contenders for Sunday’s 36th running of the New York City Marathon.
On a day expected to be unseasonably warm, defending champion Hendrik Ramaala of South Africa will go up against double Olympic silver medalist Tergat, London champion Martin Lel of Kenya, Boston winner Hailu Negussie of Ethiopia and last year’s Olympic silver medalist Mebrahtom Keflezighi.
“It has been my dream for many years to compete in New York and now my dream has come true in one of the best fields ever, anywhere,” said 36-year-old Tergat, who is making his Big Apple debut.
The men are chasing a first prize of $100,000, while the women’s race offers a marathon record payoff of $130,000, augmented by an extra $30,000 funded by sponsor ING bank.
The women’s field is missing 2004 champion Paula Radcliffe of Britain, who decided against defending her crown after winning the women’s world marathon title in August in Helsinki.
