Fearnley fires to fifth New York win

Wheelchair track & road star Kurt Fearnley powered to his fifth New York Marathon victory overnight after a gripping sprint finish.

Tough winds meant the marathon was on the verge of cancellation before the racers were forced to compete over a 4.8km track, with Fearnley and five other competitors locked in a battle over the final kilometre.

With 100m to go Fearnley made his move, surging to the lead before crossing the line in a time of one hour, 30 minutes and 55 seconds, just one second ahead of South African Ernst Van Dyk.

The victory was Fearnley’s fifth win in the prestigious event and his first since 2009.

Fellow NSWIS athlete Christie Dawes was also in action, finishing fourth in the women’s division of the race.