Bronx resident Buzunesh Deba seeks to become 1st New Yorker in more than 40 years to win NYC Marathon this weekend. (Oct. 30)



Caption: Bronx resident Buzunesh Deba seeks to become 1st New Yorker in more than 40 years to win NYC Marathon this weekend. (October 30)





WHEN BUZUNESH DEBA (BOO-zoo-nesh DAY-bah) LACES UP FOR THE NEW YORK CITY MARATHON THIS WEEKEND SHE WILL BE ON FAMILIAR GROUND.

SOUNDBITE (English) Buzunesh Deba, Elite Marathon Runner:
New York marathon is important for me because its my place, my city, my home.

ORIGINALLY FROM ETHIOPIA, SHE MOVED TO NEW YORK AS A TEENAGER.

DEBA BLOSSOMED INTO ONE OF THE WORLD'S TOP MARATHONERS WHILE TRAINING IN VAN CORTLANDT PARK NOT FAR FROM HER APARTMENT IN THE BRONX.

WHEREAS MANY TOP RUNNERS LIKE TO TRAIN AT HIGH ALTITUDES, DEBA IS HAPPY RUNNING AT HOME ALONGSIDE THE CASUAL JOGGERS WHO STOP HER FOR PICTURES.

SOUNDBITE (English) Kevin Montalvo, Runner
So cool having someone, an elite, that is so accomplished, training right here in New York City and right here for the public to view.

DEBA SAYS THE SUPPORT OF NEW YORKERS GIVES HER A BOOST.

SOUNDBITE (English) Buzunesh Deba, Elite Marathon Runner:
They make me happy.

THE ELITE RUNNER HAS FINISHED ON THE PODIUM OF SEVERAL MAJOR MARATHONS - BUT A WIN IN HER HOMETOWN RACE HAS BEEN ELUSIVEDESPITE SIX TRIES.

SHES HOPING TO CHANGE THAT THIS WEEKEND.

SOUNDBITE (English) Buzunesh Deba, Elite Marathon Runner:
Oh my God if Im going to win. I think Im crazy. (laughs) Im going to be crazy. (laughs)

IF SHE WINS, DEBA WILL BECOME THE FIRST NEW YORKER IN MORE THAN 40 YERS TO WIN THE CITYS MARATHON.

TED SHAFFREY, ASSOCIATED PRESS, NEW YORK
Video provided by AP