Nairobi — Hellen Obiri is excited ahead of her second marathon after being added as a late entry to the elite women’s start list for next Monday’s Boston Marathon. She was included after New York Marathon champion Sharon Lokedi and Sheila Chepkirui withdrew for various reasons.
“I am really excited to feature in my second marathon. I made a late decision to compete because I spent time listening to my body to see if I was well recovered and physically ready, and I feel that I am in good shape,” Obiri told Capital Sport from the United States, where she has been training for the race.
Obiri made her marathon debut at the New York Marathon last year, finishing sixth in 2:25:49. She says the experience will help her in Boston. “I really enjoyed my debut and I think finishing sixth wasn’t bad. I learned a lot, and the biggest lesson is that a marathon is about patience. You need to wait for the right moment, and that’s what I will try to do better,” she added.
Before Boston, Obiri has been in strong form on the road, winning the Ras Al Khaimah Half Marathon and then setting a new course record of 1:07:21 to win the New York Half Marathon. “The results from RAK and New York have shown me that I am fit and ready, and they have boosted my confidence. I head to Boston with better focus and purpose and I am looking forward to doing well,” she noted.
The Boston field will be tough, featuring former New York and London Marathon champion Joyciline Jepkosgei, ex‑champion Edna Kiplagat, compatriots Angela Tanui and Fancy Chemutai, Kenyan‑turned‑Israeli Lonah Salpeter, and Ethiopia’s national record holder Amane Beriso, the fastest entrant. “It will be a very strong field in Boston with the ladies there having good times compared to me. But it is a marathon with no pacemakers and an open field. It will be anyone’s to take and I will be there to stake my best,” Obiri said.
The elite women’s race is scheduled to start at 4:47 p.m. on Monday evening.
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