Kenyan marathon star Hellen Obiri is brimming with confidence ahead of Sunday’s New York City Marathon, where she aims to reclaim the crown she won in 2023. The two-time Olympic silver medalist and four-time world champion will line up against a formidable field that includes Sifan Hassan and Sharon Lokedi, but she has outlined a meticulous plan to outshine them all.
Obiri, who made her marathon debut in New York in 2022 and finished sixth, has since established herself as one of the most consistent elite runners in the world. Her impressive record includes victory in 2023 and a runner-up finish in 2024, just 14 seconds shy of the winner. With that experience, the 35-year-old is determined to rise to the top once again. “I’m looking for a win,” she confidently declared ahead of the race.
Preparation has been central to Obiri’s strategy. From nutrition and gear to mindset, every detail has been carefully fine-tuned. Her pre-race meal depends on the start time—if the race begins early, she opts for something light, like a banana. For later starts, she takes a heartier breakfast of cereal, toast, scrambled eggs, and black tea to ensure sustained energy throughout the demanding course.
Obiri also places great emphasis on equipment. Her trusted running shoes, the Cloudboom Strike LS, have carried her to victory before, including her Boston Marathon triumph. Designed with ultralight mesh and responsive cushioning, they provide the perfect blend of comfort and propulsion, helping her maintain her stride even on New York’s challenging terrain. Complementing the shoes are her Elite Run Sock Highs—compression socks engineered for breathability, support, and blister prevention.
On the nutrition front, Obiri relies on Maurten gels, which provide fast-absorbing carbohydrates that are gentle on the stomach. Combined with a steady hydration plan using the Maurten Race Bottle, her fueling approach ensures consistent energy levels from start to finish.
Beyond the physical aspects, Obiri’s mindset may be her strongest weapon. The energy of the New York crowd, she says, fuels her motivation and gives her a psychological edge. “New York is my best place to be,” she once said, recalling the electric atmosphere of the marathon. With her preparations complete and focus sharpened, Obiri now stands ready to silence her rivals and chase glory once more on the streets of the Big Apple.
