Obiri sets sights on New York City Marathon after disappointing 2022 debut

ATHLETICS Obiri sets sights on New York City Marathon after disappointing 2022 debut

Abigael Wafula 21:54 - 23.03.2023

During last year's edition where she was debuting, Obiri settled for sixth place.

Newly crowned New York City Half Marathon champion Hellen Obiri hopes to go back to the Big Apple for the full marathon scheduled for November 3.

The Ras Al Khaimah Half Marathon champion made her debut over the 42km distance last year on the same course where she placed sixth in 2:25:49. She will be aspiring to go back and hopefully display better results having gained some experience.

“I hope I will come back this year for the marathon and do better. Last year, the course was a bit tough but I have now mastered it, I hope that will be an added advantage,” she said.

The two-time world 5000m champion noted that she will be looking forward to competing in a marathon either in October or November. She said before then, she will compete in road races and invest most of her time in training.

“I don’t really know where my next race will be…the management will decide. However, I don’t see myself going back to the track,” she added.

Obiri on Sunday, March 19 obliterated a strong field of athletes to win the New York City Half Marathon in 1:07:21. Speaking about her experience in the race, she noted that the weather was a terrible but she had to push on.

“There was too much wind and the course was tough. My daughter was waiting at the finish line and I couldn’t afford to disappoint her. I had to work hard to win the race,” she said.

She revealed that training for the marathon has been challenging for her but she is slowly blending in.

Hellen Obiri leads Sifan Hassan at a past race.

“You do a lot of long runs and speedwork with less recovery time. It was terrible at first but I love the progress so far,” she said.

Obiri also revealed that she has successfully relocated to the United States of America after encountering visa challenges.

She added that she has moved to Boulder County in Colorado with her family. “We shall now be living together and I am so excited. My seven-year-old daughter is also over the moon and she will be looking forward to start school,” Obiri said.

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