Hellen Obiri achieved a monumental victory at the New York City Marathon on November 2, 2025, setting a new course record with a time of 2:19:51. This victory not only marked her triumph in one of the world’s most prestigious marathons but also obliterated the previous record of 2:22:31 set by Margaret Okayo in 2003.
As Obiri stood at the start line of the race, she faced a strong and intimidating field, which included rivals she had battled before. One of her biggest concerns was the presence of Sifan Hassan, who had recently claimed victory at the Sydney Marathon and finished third at the London Marathon earlier in the year. The Dutch athlete had also beaten Obiri at the 2024 Paris Olympics, where she secured the gold medal while Obiri took home the bronze.
In addition to Hassan, Obiri was also wary of the powerful performances of Kenyan compatriots Sharon Lokedi, the 2022 NYC Marathon champion, and Sheila Chepkirui, the 2021 champion. “When I was at the start line, I was so afraid,” Obiri confessed. “Sifan is so strong, and she had beaten us at the Olympics. Sheila and Sharon are also incredibly talented. I just wanted to finish on the podium, but winning would be incredible.”
Despite the nervousness, Obiri’s preparation and belief in her training pushed her through. The race started at a fast pace, and the three Kenyan athletes—Obiri, Chepkirui, and Lokedi—worked together to pace one another. This camaraderie lasted for much of the race until the decisive moment came in Central Park, about four miles from the finish line.
At that point, Obiri made her move, surging ahead to establish her dominance. She revealed that her mindset was not focused on time but on securing the win, trusting that the hard work and long training runs had prepared her for this moment. “It’s all about winning. I didn’t care about the time. I just focused on pushing myself, trusting my coaches’ belief that I was in peak shape,” Obiri said.
Her victory was not just about breaking a record; it was a statement of resilience and belief in her own abilities. By conquering her fears and trusting her training, Hellen Obiri proved that she was indeed the strongest on the day, securing her place in marathon history.
