Defending champion and course record holder Hellen Obiri knows she’s the woman to beat as she chases a third New York City Marathon crown on Sunday.
The decorated Kenyan runner, who won her first Big Apple title in 2023, said she was ready for the challenge after a similar intense preparation that helped deliver her the title last year.
Photo credit: Nation Media Group
“I’m the defending champion and course record holder, and there is a lot of pressure because everyone is competing and fans will be looking at me. I just have to shut out everything and run my own race,” Obiri told Nation Sports on Tuesday.
Obiri coasted to victory in commanding fashion last year in 2:19:51, as her compatriots Sharon Lokedi (2:20:07) and Sheila Chepkirui (2:20:24) followed her home in that order.
This year, she will be up against Chepkirui (personal best time of 2:17:29), who is also the 2024 winner, Viola Cheptoo (2:19:05), Edna Kiplagat (2:19:50) and Mercy Chelangat (2:20:30).
Kenya's Hellen Obiri (cntre) celebrates after winning the women's elite race alongside second-placed Sharon Lokedi (left) and third-placed Sheila Chepkirui on November 2, 2025.
Photo credit: Reuters
The 35-year-old Obiri has been training in Boulder, Colorado, under the watchful eyes of her coach Dathan Ritzenhein.
Obiri, a member of On Athletics Club, says consistency has been key to her success.
“Since my debut in New York in 2022, I have been training in the USA. I must admit that the sessions have been good and I’m ready for the race on Sunday,” she declared.
Obiri finished second at the London Marathon in April, in 2:15:53 behind race winner Ethiopia’s Tigst Assefa, who clocked 2:15:41. Kenya’s Joyciline Jepkosgei was third in 2:15:55.
Obiri acknowledged that unlike London’s fast course, raced with pacemakers, New York’s rolling hills offered a different challenge.
“I have learned how to tackle any kind of pace in New York. You have to race tactically, and there are no pacemakers,” she said.
New York often rewards patience, positioning and the ability to respond to decisive moves late in the race.
Obiri finished second at last year’s Boston Marathon in 2:17:41 before winning in New York in November that year in 2:19:51.
“My preparations have not changed, and I’m looking forward to a good race on Sunday.
Hellen Obiri of Kenya celebrates after winning the Women's United Airlines NYC Half Marathon on March 19, 2023 in New York City.
Photo credit: Rich Schultz | AFP
Obiri attributes her longevity to discipline and focus. A mother who has successfully transitioned from the track to the roads, she has continued to compete at the highest level across different distances and championships.
“Discipline is the most important thing, and just focusing on achieving my goals is something that has kept me moving in my running career,” said Obiri.
She won the world 5,000m titles in London in 2017 and Doha in 2019, claimed silver in the 10,000m at the 2022 World Championships in Eugene and two Olympic 5,000m silver medals at Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020.
Obiri officially announced her transition from the track to road running after the delayed 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games that were held in 2021. She made her marathon debut at the 2022 New York City Marathon.
