Obiri wins Ireland event in New kit

Two-time world 5000m champion and Olympic silver medalist Hellen Obiri won her first competition of the year outside the country on Saturday while donning her new sponsor's kit On-Running. 

Competing in the Northern Ireland International Cross Country, a World Athletics Cross Country Tour Silver event, in Dundonald, she clocked 26:44 to secure a 20-second triumph in the women’s 8km race. 

Northern Ireland’s Hannah Irwin won the domestic battle behind Obiri to finish runner-up, three seconds ahead of Scotland’s Mhairi Maclennan.

“It is my first time running cross country here. The course was good, it was challenging, but I am used to doing a lot of cross country. It is a sign of my preparation towards my outdoor season,” Obiri said in an interview. 

She continued, “In 2022 we have a lot of competitions. We have the Commonwealth Games, we have the World Championships and we have some Diamond Leagues and road races. I will talk with my manager and coach to see what is best for me in the 2022 season.”

In an indication that she has likely left Nike, Obiri raced in the Swiss brand, On-Running, kit. However, there has not been an official announcement yet. On-Running is brand that spornsors Athlete Refugee Team based in Ngong. 

Finishing fourth in Dundonald, on the outskirts of Belfast, was England’s Eleanor Bolton, while European U20 cross country champion Megan Keith finished fifth for Scotland.