Kenya’s middle-distance star Faith Kipyegon is set for another big stage as she prepares to defend her mile title at the Athlos New York City meet on 10 October.
The race comes just weeks after her dazzling performance at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, where she cemented her status as the queen of the 1500 metres.
The 31-year-old, a four-time Olympic gold medallist, will face a tough test against a strong field that includes compatriot Susan Ejore, Australia’s world bronze medallist Jessica Hull, Ethiopia’s Freweyni Hailu and Gudaf Tsegay, and America’s champion Nikki Hiltz.
“Faith is always a favourite, but the line-up is incredibly strong. It will be one of the most exciting races of the year,” an organiser of the event noted.
The Athlos meet, a World Athletics Continental Tour Silver event, was launched in 2024 by entrepreneur Alexis Ohanian, husband to tennis legend Serena Williams. It is an exclusive, women-only race that quickly became one of the sport’s most lucrative showcases.
Last year, Kipyegon stormed to victory in 4:04.79, outpacing Ethiopia’s Deribe Weiteji and Ejore in the event’s inaugural edition.
Moraa Joins the Cast
Another Kenyan, Mary Moraa, will also feature in New York. The 800m specialist will be keen to bounce back after finishing seventh in Tokyo, where teammate Lillian Odira snatched gold.
Moraa will face a competitive line-up that includes Jamaica’s Natoya Goule-Toppin, Britain’s Olympic silver medallist Keely Hodgkinson, Georgia Bell, France’s Rénelle Lamote, and Ethiopia’s Tsige Duguma.
Lucrative Payouts
The Athlos meet is not just about prestige. It has become one of the highest-paying events on the calendar.
The total prize pool per race is set at KSh14.3 million (USD110,500), with winners earning KSh7.7 million (USD60,000). Runners-up will pocket KSh3.2 million (USD25,000), while third place earns KSh1.2 million (USD10,000). Even those finishing as low as sixth will take home prize money.
The star-studded showdown promises fireworks as some of the world’s finest athletes battle for glory and a slice of the hefty prize.