Dedicating more time in the gym was the secret behind Kenya’s Sheila Chepkirui’s first World Marathon Majors (WMM) victory at the New York City Marathon on Sunday.
The 33-year-old Kenya Defence Forces Corporal from Thika Barracks said she revamped her training strategy specifically to tackle the hilly course of New York.
Despite its coastal setting, the New York course, winding through the city’s five boroughs—Staten Island, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and Manhattan’s iconic Central Park—is renowned for its challenging inclines and hills, particularly along Fifth Avenue.
“That is why, a month before the race, I worked out in the gym in Kericho to gain the stamina and power needed to conquer the hilly course,” said Chepkirui, who was making her debut in New York.
Chepkirui, racing in her fifth marathon, executed a strategic race, pulling away from defending champion Hellen Obiri in the last kilometre to secure her first WMM victory in 2:24:35.
In a historic moment for Kenya, Obiri, a two-time Boston Marathon champion, finished second in 2:24:49, while former London Marathon champion Vivian Cheruiyot came third in 2:25:21, completing a Kenyan sweep of the women’s podium.
Chepkirui noted that her strategy involved staying with the lead pack, adding, “I wanted another podium finish after my second place in Berlin last year. I knew Obiri was the strongest in the field.”
As the race reached its final stretch, Chepkirui made her decisive move, noticing that Obiri didn’t respond. “It puzzled me a little bit when I kicked, but Obiri didn’t respond with 600 meters remaining,” said an ecstatic Chepkirui, who dedicated the victory to her six-year-old daughter, Sharlyne Cherono, and her training partners.
Chepkirui’s career has seen a quick rise in the marathon world. She made her marathon debut in 2022 in Valencia, where she placed third with a personal best of 2:17:29, joining the elite club of women who have run sub-2:18.
She went on to place fourth in her WMM debut at the 2023 London Marathon in 2:18:51 and celebrated her first WMM podium finish later that year in Berlin, finishing second in 2:17:49.
Reflecting on her New York victory, Chepkirui expressed optimism about her future performances. “This isn’t just a flash in the pan… I hope for better performances. I want to improve my personal best in the coming year.”
The triumphant Kenyan sweep drew reactions from across the country. President William Ruto congratulated the women’s team, saying, “Hats off to our phenomenal women’s team for an incredible podium sweep at the 2024 New York City Marathon…Congratulations Sheila Chepkirui for winning gold, Hellen Obiri for taking silver, and Vivian Cheruiyot for claiming bronze.” Cabinet Secretary for Youth Affairs, Sports, and the Creative Economy Kipchumba Murkomen also praised the athletes.
In the men’s race, Kenya’s Evans Chebet, a two-time Boston Marathon champion, took second place in 2:07:45, while Albert Korir finished third in 2:08:00. The race was won by Abdi Nageeye of the Netherlands in 2:07:39.
