The 48th New York City Marathon - in pictures

epa07141290 Runners head across the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge in Staten Island. EPA

All runners finishing the TCS New York City Marathon will receive a participation medal being displayed before the start of the race in Central Park. EPA

Athletes in the Professional Men's race start the marathon ahead of the general classification. Reuters

A runner stretches his leg as he pauses at the Queensboro bridge. AP Photo

A member of the Wheelchair Division race crosses the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge. EPA

Runners approach the finish line in Central Park. EPA

A runner crosses the Queensboro Bridge. AP Photo

Ethiopia's Lelisa Desisa crosses the finish line to win the Professional Men's race. Reuters

The New York skyline is seen in the background as competitors run past. Reuters

Runners race in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. Reuters

Ethiopia's Lelisa Desisa edged compatriot Shura Kitata to win the men's title and Kenya's Mary Keitany captured her fourth women's crown Sunday at the 48th New York City Marathon, on Sunday.

It was a historic day in perfect running conditions for 50,000 entrants in the 26.2-mile showdown over the streets of New York.

Two-time Boston Marathon champion Desisa, second in New York in 2014 and third in 2015 and 2017, finally claimed the crown in 2 hours, 5 minutes and 59 seconds with Kitata only two seconds back and defending champion Geoffrey Kamworor of Kenya third in 2:06:26.

"I (was) thinking this year to be a champion," Desisa said. "I'm very thirsty to be the champion. I've been second. I've been third. This year I decided to be champion because I had the training, everything in my power I controled.

"Today is my day. I'm very, very happy." he added.

The only faster time in the history of the New York Marathon was the 2:05:05 men's record set by in 2011 by Kenya's Geoffrey Mutai.

Keitany took her fourth women's title in five attempts after finishing second to American Shalane Flanagan last year, crossing the finish line in 2:22:48.

Kenya's Vivian Cheruiyot was second in 2:26:02 with Flanagan third, another 20 seconds adrift.

"I felt great today. I'm really happy for winning," Keitany said. "I did not give up (after last year). I went back home and said I will try my best and that's why I came back and that's what I did. I worked very hard for the victory." she added.

_____________

Read more:

Kenyans Arabham Kiptum and Stanley Biwott sign up for Adnoc Abu Dhabi Marathon

Abu Dhabi Marathon can be a catalyst to promote a healthy lifestyle, says Paul Tergat

WATCH: Get to know the Abu Dhabi Marathon routes with these walk-through videos

Abu Dhabi Marathon offers runners chance of a 'very fast time'