31.10.2008

Fearnley aims for three-peat in New York

Australian Paralympic champion Kurt Fearnley will attempt to win his third straight New York marathon this Sunday.

After his spectacular breakthrough win in 2006, which included a crash and the course record, Fearnley defended his title last year over a stellar international field.

Fearnley's past success and recent good form will see him start as the firm favourite; however, he will have his work cut out with the strongest field outside of the Paralympics set to line-up.

"Aside from the worlds and Paralympics, this is the race everyone wants to win. A lot of the guys have rested since Beijing with Sunday in mind, so it will be tough. I'll start the race with a target on my back but I'm feeling good and pushing well" Fearnley said.

Fearnley's good form includes a win in the Chicago marathon three weeks ago and the defence of his Athens marathon Gold medal in the Beijing Paralympics in September.

Among those looking to wrest the New York title from Fearnley are past champions Krige Schabort (2002, 2003) and Ernst van Dyk (2005) of South Africa, as well as British arch-rival David Weir.

Weir is the only man to beat Fearnley more than once over the marathon distance in the past two years (London Marathon 2007, 2008), and was a thorn in his side on the track in Beijing.

"Dave's a tough racer and has been in good form this year, but he's not the only man out there. There are more than a dozen guys who will be there or thereabouts, and the marathon field has been really tight this year. There were ten of us within a few seconds at the finish in Beijing and half a dozen in London. My preparation's been good and if I race smart and stay out of trouble I'll be in there with a shot to win."

NBC Sports and Universal Sports will provide LIVE broadcast and online coverage of the ING New York City Marathon 2008.

Click here to access the live marathon action (coverage will begin at 8:45am on Sunday, November 2 (USA ET))

with thanks to Michael Turner