The NYC Marathon Elite Field for the 2026 TCS New York City Marathon has taken a significant double hit just weeks before race day on November 1. Olympic gold medalist Sifan Hassan and top American distance star Fiona O’Keeffe have both officially withdrawn from the marquee event.
Both athletes took to social media to confirm their scratches, citing separate setbacks in their training blocks. The dual departure removes two of the most heavily anticipated headliners from the final World Marathon Major of the year, dramatically reshaping the tactical dynamics for the five-borough race.
O’Keeffe Sidelined Following Hamstring Surgery
For O’Keeffe, the U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials record holder, the decision follows major surgery to repair a torn hamstring tendon. The American standout was forced to undergo the procedure after experiencing lingering issues during her autumn buildup, marking another tough physical setback in her professional career.
“Guess you could say I’m a bit hamstrung at the moment,” O’Keeffe shared on Instagram, maintaining good spirits despite the difficult timing. O’Keeffe previously dealt with a calf injury during her build for the Paris Olympic Marathon and was subsequently forced to scratch from her scheduled spring race. Her absence leaves a notable void in the domestic pack, where she was widely expected to challenge for top American honors following her strong fourth-place finish in New York a year ago.
Hassan Misses Second Straight Major Due to Illness
Hassan’s scratch marks her second consecutive Major marathon withdrawal of 2026, after an Achilles injury forced her out of April’s London Marathon. This time around, the reigning Olympic champion revealed that a recent illness disrupted her training block, leaving her underprepared for the brutal late miles of New York’s five-borough course.
“I was so excited to come back stronger, but a sickness slowed down my training and I’m not where I wanted to be,” Hassan wrote on social media. “Sometimes, things just don’t go as planned.”
Hassan, who earned marathon gold in Paris alongside her historic 5,000m and 10,000m track titles in Tokyo, has not competed since placing sixth on the streets of New York twelve months ago. The Dutch superstar had expressed strong motivation to contend for the win in 2026, making her late withdrawal a disappointing outcome for international fans eagerly awaiting her return to 26.2 miles.
What This Means for the Women’s Race
While the loss of Hassan and O’Keeffe removes two headline contenders, the 2026 women’s field remains stacked with international firepower and American depth. Defending champion Hellen Obiri will lead the pack as the clear favorite alongside major international threats Sheila Chepkirui and Gotytom Gebreslase. Obiri, who shattered the course record during her victorious run last year, returns to Staten Island in formidable form.
On the American side, Jessica McClain steps up as the premier U.S. contender following a stellar performance in Boston, leading a strong domestic group that includes Annie Frisbie. Meanwhile, high-profile marathon debutante Weini Kelati—the American half-marathon record holder—adds massive excitement to the front pack as she tests her distance over 26.2 miles for the very first time.
Despite the high-profile scratches, the battle for the podium through Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and Central Park promises to be as unpredictable and fiercely contested as ever.
Updated 2026 Elite Women’s Field
(Updated: Sifan Hassan and Fiona O’Keeffe removed)
- 🇰🇪 Hellen Obiri – 2:15:53
- 🇰🇪 Sheila Chepkirui – 2:17:29
- 🇪th Gotytom Gebreslase – 2:18:11
- 🇰🇪 Viola Cheptoo – 2:19:05
- 🇰🇪 Edna Kiplagat – 2:19:50
- 🇰🇪 Mercy Chelangat – 2:20:30
- 🇺🇸 Jessica McClain – 2:20:49
- 🇺🇸 Annie Frisbie – 2:22:00
- 🇩🇪 Fabienne Königstein – 2:22:17
- 🇺🇸 Carrie Ellwood – 2:22:53
- 🇺🇸 Erika Kemp – 2:22:56
- 🇮🇹 Giovanna Epis – 2:23:46
- 🇯🇵 Rie Kawauchi – 2:24:16
- 🇺🇸 Amanda Vestri – 2:24:49
- 🇺🇸 Lauren Hagans – 2:25:47
- 🇺🇾 Julia Paternain – 2:25:47 NR
- 🇬🇧 Phily Bowden – 2:25:57
- 🇺🇸 Paige Wood – 2:26:02
- 🇺🇸 Steph Bruce – 2:27:47
- 🇺🇸 Roberta Groner – 2:29:09
- 🇵🇪 Mica Rivera Wood – 2:29:13
- 🇺🇸 Megan O’Neil – 2:31:31
- 🇺🇸 Monica Hebner – 2:32:40
- 🇺🇸 Brooke Starn – 2:35:22
- 🇺🇸 Alosha Southern – 2:36:10
- 🇺🇸 Keelah Barger – 2:36:13
- 🇺🇸 Weini Kelati – Debut
- 🇺🇸 Cailie Hughes – Debut
