Agnes Ngetich Mentally Ready to Take on Hellen Obiri and Sharon Lokedi at New York City: 'I'm So Excited'

Agnes Ngetich is ready to rumble as she lines up against Boston Marathon champion Sharon Lokedi and Olympic marathon bronze medallist Hellen Obiri at the New York City Half Marathon on Sunday, March 15.

The second-fastest half-marathon runner in the world has had an amazing season so far, starting with a win at the World Athletics Cross Country Championships in Tallahassee, Florida, before winning the Sirikwa Classic Cross Country.

Agnes Ngetich is now gearing up for a tough battle in the streets of New York City as she looks to prove a point and continue her winning ways.

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Speaking to Letsrun.com, Agnes Ngetich explained that her participation in the New York City Half Marathon was initially decided by the team manager, and she welcomed the opportunity to take part.

She expressed excitement about experiencing the challenging course, describing it as similar to a cross-country track that winds through the city streets, and she looked forward to competing alongside top athletes like Hellen Obiri and Sharon Lokedi.

Agnes Ngetich acknowledged that the race would come with significant pressure but emphasised her focus on running her own race rather than worrying about her competitors.

Ngetich added that she feels mentally ready for the demanding and hilly course, noting that her experience in world cross-country events has prepared her for the challenges ahead, and she is eager to see what the race has in store.

“It’s so challenging crossing through the street, beautiful streets, racing with the likes of Obiri and Lokedi. I’d choose New York City once more. It will be a lot of pressure, but then I'll be in the race, just running my race. They will be running their races, and then we'll see,” Agnes Ngetich shared.

“I definitely like it. Mentally, I’m prepared for the course. It’s a kind of cross-country course, so I'm prepared. I can't wait to run on this hilly and challenging course. I started with a world cross-country, and it prepared me mentally for the race ahead of me. I'm so excited to know what's in front of me.”

The World Cross Country champion said that she and her coach have done all they can in preparation and are now waiting to see how things unfold on Sunday.

Agnes Ngetich explained that she is approaching the race without specific expectations, intending to focus on the day itself while hoping for a positive outcome.

She added that her experiences in the World Cross Country and the Sirikwa Cross Country served as valuable preparation, building her confidence and excitement for the season, and further motivated her to push herself, leaving her feeling fully ready for the challenges ahead.

“For this season, I'm thinking of maybe a little bit of track, but we're still finalising with the team, with the coach and the manager. And I'm so excited to know what's in front of me. Training goes well. We did our part with the coach, and now we are waiting to see what's going on Sunday,” he added.

“I don't have any expectations, but we will be there on Sunday and see what happens. But I hope for the best. It has prepared me mentally, the World Cross Country, running in Sirikwa Cross Country, making it like a buildup, but then, you know, having to be called a World Cross Country champion has prepared me well, and giving me that excitement of, I want to do more this season, so I'm so prepared.”