Yuri Kano Takes 3rd at NYC Half Presented by Nike; Shimahara 10th

Kano continues strong summer performances

Coming into New York off her impressive PB and victory at last month’s Sapporo Half-Marathon, Japan’s Yuri Kano was ready to go after the win on the streets of New York, even against the strong half-marathon field that had been assembled by Mary Wittenberg and David Monti. New York offered oppressive conditions for this year’s race, with humidity topping 90% in the opening seven miles through Central Park. In the best summer shape of her life, the Second Wind AC’s Kano matched strides with the lead pack of women through the park, down through Times Square, and out toward the Hudson River. After her pair of 4th place finishes in the first two years of this race, Kano had at least a podium place locked in as she, 2007 World Champion gold medalist Catherine Ndereba, and Mexico’s marathon recordholder Madai Perez raced the closing kilometers down the West Side Highway. Ndereba took off with a kilometer to go and took the win in 70:19, while Perez took runner-up in a 70:26 PB, followed by Yuri’s 70:31 for 3rd. 

Affected more by the humidity, Second Wind AC teammate Kiyoko Shimahara came home in 73:41 for 10th. Both Yuri and Kiyoko will next travel up to Cape Elizabeth, Maine, for the August 2nd Beach to Beacon 10K.