Defending champion Hellen Obiri anticipates a tough, competitive race at the New York Marathon, but says she is ready to ensure the title remains in her arms. The USA-based Obiri will compete in New York just over two months after winning bronze at the Olympic Games in Paris, and she says she is ready for what will be a massively competitive race.
Speaking to Telecomasia.net ahead of the race, Obiri says the race will be tough with a competitive field around her but believes in her preparation to do well.
I have prepared really well since the Olympic Games, and I am ready for this race. It will be a very competitive race when you look at the field, with the likes of Sharon (Lokedi), who I have competed against several times, Vivian (Cheruiyot), Edna (Kiplagat), as well as Dibaba (Tirunesh) and Teferi (Senbere) of Ethiopia. This is a very strong and competitive field. But on my end, I am just looking to run a beautiful race, enjoy it, and hopefully defend the title at the end of it.
Hellen Obiri exclusively for Telecomasia.net
The 34-year-old Kenyan won the race last year for the first time ever, and with a better knowledge of the terrain, hopes to make it two out of two, just as she doubled up on Boston this year.
The preparation has been great since the Olympics, and I have been working mostly to improve my finishing kick, and I feel I am okay at the moment. I can’t wait to get onto the road and compete.
Hellen Obiri exclusively for Telecom Asia Sport
She made history last year, becoming the first woman in three decades to win both New York and Boston in the same year, and now hopes she can do it all over again.