Ghebreslassie and Keitany dominate New York marathon

Ghirmay Ghebreslassie of Ethiopia crosses the finish line to win the mens field of the 2016 New York City Marathon in Central Park in the Manhattan borough of New York City, New York, U.S. November 6, 2016. REUTERS/Mike Segar

(Reuters) - Eritrean world champion Ghirmay Ghebreslassie and Kenyan Mary Keitany powered to dominant victories in the New York City Marathon on Sunday.

The 20-year-old Ghebreslassie won the men's race in an unofficial two hours, seven minutes and 51 seconds, more than a minute ahead of Kenyan Lucas Rotich.

Third went to 39-year-old American Abdi Abdirahman (2:11:23).

Defending champion Stanley Biwott, suffering from calf problems, was never a factor and dropped out before 15km.

Keitany became the first woman in three decades to win her third consecutive New York marathon with a dominant performance.

The 34-year-old took the lead by the ninth mile and won by more than three minutes in 2:24:26.

Compatriot Sally Kipyego took second in 2:28.01 and U.S. Olympian Molly Huddle made her marathon debut in an impressive 2:28:13 for third.

(Reporting by Gene Cherry in Salvo, North Carolina, editing by Pritha Sarkar)