Hellen Obiri Discloses Special Plan to Silence Sifan Hassan, Sharon Lokedi and Co at New York Marathon

Kenya’s Hellen Obiri is among the elite runners tipped to win the New York Marathon on Sunday and as she looks to reclaim the title she won in 2023, she is counting on a number of aspects.

The four-time world champion will join the likes of Sifan Hassan and Sharon Lokedi in the Big Apple as they fight for bragging rights and the millions on offer at the year’s final major marathon.

Obiri has revealed the essential gear, nutrition, and pre-race rituals that will fuel her quest for victory in New York City.

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This will be Obiri's fourth appearance at the New York City Marathon, which has grown to become the largest marathon in the world. The iconic course winds through all five boroughs before finishing in Central Park. She made her debut in 2022, finishing sixth.

"It was amazing," Obiri told Wired, recalling the energy of the crowd. "When you do something like this for the first time and you like the place, you’re going to say, ‘This is my best place to be.’ New York is my best place to be."

Obiri's pre-run meal depends on her start time. For an early 6:30 am run, she keeps it light with just a banana. For a later start or on race day, she opts for a more substantial breakfast of cereal, two slices of toast, scrambled eggs, and a banana, all washed down with black tea.

Her record in New York is formidable: she won in 2023 and finished a close second in 2024, just 14 seconds behind the winner. When asked about her goal for this Sunday, her response is immediate and confident: "I’m looking for a win."

Obiri considers a good pair of running shoes essential for everyone. Her choice is the Cloudboom Strike LS, the same model she wore to win the Boston Marathon and compete in the Paris Olympics.

The shoe features an ultralight mesh upper that fits like a second skin and hyper-foam max cushioning for a plush, springy ride. Its laceless design eliminates distractions, while a slightly elevated heel helps shift weight forward, benefiting midfoot and forefoot strikers like Obiri.

On race day, Obiri avoids new socks to prevent discomfort. Her go-to is the Elite Run Sock High, which she will almost certainly wear for the marathon on Sunday. Made from a lightweight polyamide fabric, these socks are designed to keep her feet cool and dry.

Key features include compression zones, ventilation panels, and built-in arch support to reduce fatigue, while extra cushioning around the Achilles tendon helps prevent blisters.

Maurten gels are a critical part of Obiri's nutrition strategy. Each packet delivers 25 grams of carbohydrates in a hydrogel form that is easier to digest than traditional gels.

The formula contains only six simple ingredients. To stay hydrated, Obiri also carries the 400 ml Maurten Race Bottle.