Hassan and O'Keeffe Withdrew From New York City Marathon

Olympic champion Sifan Hassan and US trials winner Fiona O'Keeffe have withdrawn from the upcoming race.

Updated on Oct. 14, 2026 in Running

Hassan and O'Keeffe Withdrew From New York City Marathon

Live Poll

Do you feel major athletic events in your area provide value to the local community?

Olympic marathon champion Sifan Hassan and US trials champion Fiona O'Keeffe have announced their withdrawals from the New York City Marathon. Both athletes cited health-related issues as the reason for their absence from the event.

Why it matters

The loss of two high-profile runners significantly alters the competitive landscape of the race in New York City. Organizers are now adjusting the roster following these late-stage departures from the field.

Sifan Hassan finished 6th in the 2025 New York City Marathon, while Fiona O'Keeffe enters as the current US Olympic trials champion. The announcement confirms 2 prominent runners have pulled out of the competition.

The players

Sifan Hassan

She is the Olympic marathon champion and a former double gold medalist in the 5,000 and 10,000 metres at the Tokyo Games.

Fiona O'Keeffe

She is the current US Olympic trials champion.

The details

Sifan Hassan withdrew due to a sickness that impacted her training preparation, while Fiona O'Keeffe cited an injury for her decision. The athletes confirmed their absences on Wednesday, removing two major contenders from the upcoming New York City race.

October 2025: Sifan Hassan previously competed in the New York City Marathon.
2024: Sifan Hassan secured a victory at the Paris Olympic marathon.
October 14, 2026: Sifan Hassan and Fiona O'Keeffe announced their withdrawals.

Season Trajectory

The withdrawal of these top athletes marks a major shift in the New York City Marathon field compared to the 2024 Paris Olympic marathon. Their absence alters the competitive balance and shifts expectations for the remaining runners in the pack.

The removal of these two runners from the starting list forces a significant update to the pre-race favorites and field projections. Spectators should anticipate shifts in the betting markets and the overall tactical approach of the remaining elite competitors.

The takeaway

Top-tier athletes often face difficult decisions regarding participation when training is compromised by illness or injury. Fans of the sport should monitor final start lists closely as late withdrawals frequently influence the outcome of major marathons.