Hellen Obiri is set to make her maiden appearance in the marathon this fall. The Kenyan superstar is regarded as one of the best long-distance runners in the world.
The 32-year-old Sergent in Kenya Defence forces has won medals on almost all surfaces. She has left indelible marks in cross country and track (indoors and outdoors)
However, New York Marathon on September 6, 2022, will be uncharted water for the former world cross country champion.
But of course, she knows what awaits her, and she is preparing meticulously. After the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo, Japan Obiri started hitting the road, running mostly 10km and half marathons.
The build-up has been tremendous.
She stands tall with a personal best of 1:04:22 in a half marathon. It remains to be seen if she will translate her prowess in road races, track, and cross country to marathons.
Obiri added another feather to her cap in this year's World Athletics Championships (Oregon22), winning a Silver medal in 10000m.
American road racer Emily Durgin is expected to make her first appearance too in New York Marathon, and So to US-based Sharon Lekedi of Kenya.
Among other star-studded fields of elites runners include:
- Peres Chepchirchir (KEN)
- Lorna Chemutai Salpeter (ISR),
- Gotytom Gebreslase (ETH)
- Edna Kiplagat (KEN)
- Sarah Hall (USA)
- Viola Jeptoo (KEN)
- Alpine Tuliamuk (USA)
- Caroline Rotich (KEN)
- Jess Piasecki (GBR)
- Viola Jeptoo (KEN)
- Senbere Teferi (ETH)
