The ING New York City Marathon may be missing two-time winner Martin Lel but the men's race still boasts one of the strongest fields ever assembled.

Kenya's Lel, the champion in 2003 and 2007, withdrew from the 40th running of the race on Tuesday after failing to overcome a long-standing hip problem.

But that did not prevent race director Mary Wittenberg from describing the remaining runners as "simply our best field ever".

Two-time winner Marilson Gomes dos Santos of Brazil defends his title against rivals including Hendrik Ramaala of South Africa, the 2004 winner, and Kenya's Robert Kipkoech Cheruiyot, a four-time Boston champion and course record holder.

Double world marathon champion from 2003 and 2005 Jaouad Gharib of Morocco makes his New York debut at the age of 37.

"It's a very strong group," Gomes dos Santos said. "I think it's going to be a big, big race. I think anything can happen."

A strong American contingent will also compete for the USA men's marathon championship.

Ryan Hall remains the home crowd's best hope of a first American winner since Alberto Salazar in 1982.

But former New York winner Steve Jones thinks his protege Jorge Torres can spring a surprise on his debut.

"Jorge is as fit now as he was when ran the Olympic Trials (at 10,000m) last year," said 1988 champion Jones, still the British record holder 24 years after running two hours, seven minutes and 13 seconds in Chicago.

"He's focused, he's dedicated and he knows he's ready to run. It wouldn't surprise me to see him be on the podium for the whole race, not just the American championships."