Marathon champs can extend reign for third straight year

It's been two years since the last New York City Marathon, which means the 2011 winners had an extra year as the reigning champs for Geoffrey Mutai and Firehiwot Dado. Both are entered into Sunday's race with the chance to defend their respective crowns. Here's each defending champion at a glance.

The 32-year-old Kenyan set a course record when he won two years ago. He achieved the fastest time on record at the 2011 Boston Marathon when he needed just 2 hours, 3 minutes and 2 seconds, although it technically isn't a world record due to the route setup.

Dado, 29, scored a personal best two years ago in New York when she crossed the finish line in 2 hours, 23 minutes and 15 seconds. That time ranks as the fastest-ever finish by an Ethiopian. She also holds the NYC Half Marathon course record, set in 2012.