2019 NYRR Pro Performer of the Year
New York Road Runners has announced six professional athletes as finalists for the 2019 NYRR Pro Performer of the Year. These athletes are being recognized for their outstanding achievements at NYRR races over the past year.
The finalists for the award are listed below and have been chosen based on their performances in the NYRR Pro Racing Series, which includes the following NYRR races: NYRR Wanamaker Mile at the NYRR Millrose Games, United Airlines NYC Half, UAE Healthy Kidney 10K, NYRR New York Mini 10K and USATF 10K Championship, New Balance 5th Avenue Mile, Abbott Dash to the Finish Line 5K and USATF 5K Championships, and TCS New York City Marathon.
Read on to find out more about this year's nominees, or you can jump ahead to find out this year's winner!
Nominees
Joyciline Jepkosgei
She won the TCS New York City Marathon in her marathon debut, recording the second-fastest time ever in history in 2:22:38. She also won the United Airlines NYC Half in her first trip to the United States.
Geoffrey Kamworor
He won his second TCS New York City Marathon title in three years and has now made the podium in all four of his appearances at the event.
Daniel Romanchuk
At just 21 years old, he won his second-consecutive TCS New York City Marathon and first United Airlines NYC Half title.
Manuela Schär
She won her third consecutive TCS New York City Marathon in 1:44:20—the second-fastest time in event history—which marked her ninth-straight Abbott World Marathon Majors victory. She also finished as the runner-up at the United Airlines NYC Half.
Jenny Simpson
She won her seventh-consecutive and record-extending eighth title overall at the New Balance 5th Avenue Mile in an event-record time of 4:16.1.
Nick Willis
He won his record-breaking fifth title in a photo finish at the New Balance 5th Avenue Mile, surpassing Isaac Viciosa of Spain for the most career wins by a male athlete at the event.
And the winner is...
Joyciline Jepkosgei! Her wins at the United Airlines NYC Half in March and the TCS New York City Marathon in November earned her the title for 2019. For more information, read the press release about this year's winner.