ING New York City Marathon to decide World Marathon Majors Women's Series champion for 2011-12

New York, NY - With Kenya's Geoffrey Mutai enjoying an insurmountable lead in the men's 2011-2012 World Marathon Majors Series as the result of victories at the 2011 Boston and ING New York City Marathons, and the 2012 BMW Berlin Marathon, the women's title, and equal share of the $1 million prize purse, is up for grabs at the 2012 ING New York City Marathon.

The women's Series is down to three contenders-Kenyans Mary Keitany, Edna Kiplagat, and Sharon Cherop-with Kiplagat and Cherop toeing the line on Sunday hoping to overtake an idle Keitany.

As it stands, Keitany is perched atop the leader board with 65 points highlighted by back-to-back victories at the 2011 and 2012 Virgin London Marathons. She's followed by Kiplagat (50 points), the 2011 IAAF World Champion in the marathon, and Cherop (45 points), winner of the 2012 Boston Marathon.

In order for Kiplagat or Cherop to unseat Keitany and claim the $500,000 prize, nothing short of victory on Sunday will do. While a second-place finish by Kiplagat would equal Keitany with 65 points, Keitany owns the tie-breaker with victories over Kiplagat at the last two London Marathons. If the two contenders finish off the top of the NYC podium, Keitany would join Mutai in being crowned champion of the 2011-2012 WMM Series.

The two 2011-2012 World Marathon Majors Series champions will be honored at a special check presentation ceremony at noon on Monday, November 5, 2012 at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel in New York City.

2011-12 WMM Series Standings

Top 5 Men

1. Geoffrey Mutai (Kenya) 75 points 2. Tsegaye Kebede (Ethiopia) 46 points 3. Wesley Korir (Kenya) 41 points 4. Abel Kirui (Kenya) 40 points 4. Moses Mosop (Kenya) 40 points 4. Emmanuel Mutai (Kenya) 40 points

Top 5 Women

1. Mary Keitany (Kenya) 65 points 2. Edna Kiplagat (Kenya) 50 points 3. Sharon Cherop (Kenya) 45 points 3. Liliya Shobukhova (Russia) 45 points 5. Priscah Jeptoo (Kenya) 40 points

World Marathon Majors Media Contacts:
Boston: Marc Davis + 1 617.778.1633
London: Nicola Okey + 44 207.902.0182
Berlin: Marisa Reich + 49 178.457.7065
Chicago: Jeremy Borling +1 312.992.6614
New York City: Richard Finn +1 212.423.2229