L. MathekaObiri hints at New York City marathon return after defending Great Manchester 10km
Reading Time: 2min | Mon. 22.05.23. | 12:15
She made her debut in marathon in same race last year, finishing sixth in 2:25:49.
Boston Marathon champion Hellen Obiri says she is looking to feature in one more marathon before the current season concludes.
Obiri has had a stellar 2023, winning all competitions she has lined up for since opening her season with the Kenya Defence Forces’ cross-country show down early on in the year.
On Sunday 21 May, she successfully defended her Great Manchester Run 10km road race title in the United Kingdom, running a brilliant race to cross the line in 31:14 minutes
Olympic marathon champion Peres Jepchirchir came in second place after timing 31:59 minutes while Briton Calli Thackery was third in 32:51 minutes.
“This was a beautiful race and I enjoyed running here in what was my third appearance. I know the course well so I was just out to test my body after Boston. I was not expecting to run this well as I have inly trained for three weeks after Boston but I am happy with the time,” Obiri offered after her feat in the UK.
As she shifts her focus to the summer part of the season, the multiple world 5000m champion has steered clear of the World Championships conversation, hinting at running her next marathon towards the end of the year.
“It has been a very successful season so far and I am looking forward to get back to the marathon, probably in November or December as I look to lower my lifetime best.
Winning in Boston has been a confidence and morale boost as it was a clear indication that I am good at it and I can only get better going forward,” she added.
With her projected return to the classic distance, the 33-year-old could be targeting a return to the New York City Marathon set for 5 November or a race outside the World Marathon Majors (WMM).
Obiri made her debut in marathon in New York last year, finishing sixth in 2:25:49. She got her 2023 campaign off to strong start winning the RAK Half in February and then the New York City Half Marathon in March.
On 17 April, she competed in elite women's race at the Boston Marathon against the deepest women’s field ever assembled, only her second race over the classic distance.
Closing hard she dropped her final opponents in the last few minutes of the race and triumphed with a personal best time of 2:21:38, 12 seconds clear of second-place finisher Amane Beriso who had by far the fastest personal best heading into the race (2:14:58).
