Defending men's champ Ghebreslassie returns to NYC Marathon
NEW YORK (AP) Defending men's champion Ghirmay Ghebreslassie of Eritrea will return to compete in the New York City Marathon on Nov. 5.
The New York Road Runners also announced Wednesday that he'll be joined by defending wheelchair champion Marcel Hug of Switzerland.
Previously announced women's champion Mary Keitany of Kenya will attempt her fourth straight title in the five-borough race.
The field represents 27 countries and includes 22 Olympians and 11 Paralympians who have finished on the podium.
Peter Ciaccia, president of the NYRR and marathon race director, says competitors will be ''chasing after records, personal bests and an increased prize purse for the wheelchair division.''
The wheelchair winners will receive $20,000 each, an increase of $5,000. The men's and women's open field winners will again receive $100,000 each.
