Catherine Ndereba could make history Sunday at the 34th running of the New York City Marathon.

If the Kenyan prevails, she will join Norway’s Ingrid Kristiansen as one of only two runners (either male or female) to win each of America’s Big-3 marathons, including Boston and Chicago.

Does that give her added motivation?

“To be honest, I didn’t even know about it until a few minutes ago,” Ndereba said at a press conference yesterday. “But now that I am aware of it I am really excited.”

If that sounds like false modesty, then you don’t know Ndereba – a 5-foot-2, 98-pound runner who carries herself with dignity, grace and a strong Christian faith that she calls her catalyst.

“Without God I wouldn’t be able to do anything; he is my strength,” Ndereba said. “I believe with his help, I can do anything.”

In addition to targeting the marathon history books, Ndereba said yesterday that she’s planning to participate in the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens – a longtime dream.

“It’s very, very important to me and my country,” Ndereba said. “In the past, the timing just wasn’t right for me to be there. But now it’s the perfect time.”