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Who are Kellyn Taylor and Futsum Zienasellassie? Flagstaff residents only Americans in top 10 of NYC marathon

Futsum Zienasellassie, originally from Africa, relocated to the United States when he was 14 and quickly rose to prominence as a star athlete

NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: Flagstaff, a city situated in the scenic mountains of northern Arizona, lies approximately 144 miles or a two-hour drive north of the state capital, Phoenix, per Distance Between Cities.

Currently, the city is rejoicing in the remarkable accomplishments of two of its esteemed local athletes, Kellyn Taylor and Futsum Zienasellassie.

Kellyn, an athlete, mother, and future firefighter, secured the eighth position in the women’s NYC Marathon race, completing the marathon in 2 hours, 29 minutes, and 48 seconds.

On the men's side, Zienasellassie, also a Flagstaff resident, finished tenth with an impressive time of 2 hours, 12 minutes, and 9 seconds, per AZ Family. 

Kellyn Taylor and Futsum Zienasellassie were first US finishers in NYC Marathon

On Sunday, November 5, approximately 50,000 individuals participated in the New York City Marathon, each with the resolve to reach the finish line, achieve a personal objective, or set a new personal best.

Kellyn Taylor and Futsum Zienasellassie, the first American woman and man to finish the race, are both from Flagstaff, Arizona. They each secured a spot among the top 10 finishers in their respective categories.

Taylor, a top distance runner from Wichita State University in Kansas, has an impressive track record. She finished in the top 10 at the US Olympic Track and Field Trials for the 10,000 meters in 2012 and for both the marathon and 10,000 meters in 2016.

In 2020, she clinched first place at the Rock 'n' Roll Arizona Half Marathon and secured the eighth position at the Olympic Trials Marathon.

Futsum Zienasellassie, originally from Africa, relocated to the United States when he was 14 and quickly rose to prominence as a star athlete in his Indiana high school.

He later moved to Flagstaff for college at Northern Arizona University, where he is currently recognized as one of the school's finest runners.

In 2019, he triumphed at the USA Track & Field 10 Mile Championships and the Monterey Bay Half Marathon. He also achieved a commendable third-place finish at the USATF Half Marathon Championships earlier this year.

American finishers in the women’s race

Molly Huddle, who finished ninth with a time of 2:32:02, and Sydney Devore, who secured the 12th position with a time of 2:36:01, were among the top US women competitors. 

American finishers in the men’s race

In the men’s race, Elkanah Kibet and Sydney Gidabuday were the subsequent American finishers, placing 11th with a time of 2:12:23 and 13th with a time of 2:14:34, respectively, per Runner's World.

Where is the finish line for the New York marathon?

The New York City Marathon concludes in Manhattan's Central Park, specifically on West Drive at West 67th Street, close to the location of the former Tavern on the Green restaurant. Upon completion of the race, participants make their exit from Central Park at West 77th Street, per CBS News. 

Who won the NYC Marathon 2023?

On Sunday, the New York City Marathon men's race was dominated by Tamirat Tola from Ethiopia, who crossed the finish line in 2 hours, 4 minutes, and 58 seconds. Albert Korir from Kenya trailed behind as the second-place finisher with a time of 2:06:57. The third spot on the podium was claimed by Shura Kitata of Ethiopia, who completed the race in 2:07:11, per CBS News.