Ghirmay Ghebreslassie will hope to defend his title in New York ©Getty Images

Defending champion Ghirmay Ghebreslassie of Eritrea and Kenya’s Wilson Kipsang are among the favourites in the men’s elite race at the New York City Marathon, which will take place amid heightened security.

Enhanced security plans include the deployment of more trucks and blocker vehicles, as well as an increased number of heavy weapons teams and counter-terrorism officers.

A total of eight people lost their lives when 29-year-old Sayfullo Saipov rented a pick-up truck and deliberately drove into cyclists for a mile-long stretch of the Hudson River Park's bike path.

A further 11 people were injured.

The Marathon is going ahead as planned, with the event featuring in the World Marathon Majors Series.

Ghebreslassie became the youngest men’s winner in the history of the New York City Marathon last year, when the then 20-year-old won the race in 2 hours, 7min and 51sec, the third-fastest time recorded at the race.

Former world record holder Wilson Kipsang of Kenya will also be among the main contenders.

Kenya’s Geoffrey Kamworor and Ethiopia’s Lemi Berhanu are also tipped as possible winners of the race.

American fans will be able to pay tribute to Meb Keflezighi, as the 42-year-old concludes his career at the race.

He claimed the silver medal at the Athens 2004 marathon, a race made famous when Brazilian runner Vanderlei Cordeiro de Lima was pushed by a protester when leading, which saw him eventually win bronze.

Meb Keflezighi will compete in the final race of his elite career ©Getty Images
Meb Keflezighi will compete in the final race of his elite career ©Getty Images

Keflezighi was the first American to win the Boston Marathon since 1983 back in 2014, while he was the winner of the New York Marathon in 2009.

The women’s race will see Mary Keitany start as the clear favourite, as she seeks to win the race for the fourth consecutive year.

Kenyan compatriot Edna Kiplagat could challenge Keitany for the victory, while Mare Dibaba of Ethiopia may pose a threat.

More than 51,000 runners are expected to participate in the marathon, with an expected 2.5 million spectators lining the streets across the city to watch the mass participation event.

The Marathon begins on Staten Island and winds through all five Boroughs in New York City before ending in Central Park.

The route for this year's New York City Marathon, considered the largest event of its kind in the world, does not pass the area affected by the Manhattan attack early this week.

Three people were killed when two bombs were detonated close to the finish line of the Boston Marathon in 2013.

Several hundreds were injured in the incident, with 16 losing limbs in the blast.

The bombs were detonated around 210 yards apart.