Hellen Obiri, one of the world’s most accomplished distance runners, is preparing to compete in the New York City Marathon for the fifth time on Sunday, seeking a third victory in the event. The Kenyan athlete's journey in the marathon has been marked by both significant challenges and remarkable triumphs, illustrating the demanding nature of the race and the resilience required to succeed.

Obiri made her marathon debut in New York four years ago, a race she describes as a humbling experience. Despite staying with the lead pack for much of the course, the grueling hills and unpredictable weather ultimately took a toll as she struggled through the final miles. She finished sixth, nearly two and a half minutes behind winner Sharon Lokedi, and needed assistance leaving the finish area. Reflecting on that race, Obiri said her body “didn’t want to move” and she reached a low point physically and mentally, questioning whether the marathon was the right path compared to her previous success on the track.

The New York course, known for its challenging elevation changes and difficult finish, was a contentious choice for her debut. Many had advised against starting her marathon career there, given its reputation as arguably the toughest of the major marathons, but Obiri remained determined. That initial setback prompted significant adjustments in her approach, including improving her hydration and learning to pace herself patiently throughout the race.

Since then, Obiri has fine-tuned her strategy, focusing on building speed endurance for the race’s final segments by incorporating mile and 400-meter repeats into her training. This shift has translated into improved performances at New York. In 2022, she captured her first title by out-sprinting Lokedi in the closing miles, finishing in 2 hours 19 minutes 51 seconds—shaving more than two minutes off the long-standing course record set by Margaret Okayo in 2003.

Obiri acknowledged that the pressure of being a defending champion and record-holder adds to her race-day nerves, with expectations to not only win but potentially surpass her previous times. Nonetheless, she appreciates the unique characteristics of New York’s marathon, where the absence of pacemakers and varied terrain play to her strengths and allow tactical racing rather than time chasing.

In preparation for this year’s race, Obiri recovered from an ankle injury sustained in the summer and completed a rigorous 10-week training block, averaging around 110 miles per week. Her recent season includes a win and course record at the New York half-marathon in March, followed by a strong second-place finish at the London Marathon in April. At London, she broke from her typical preference for hilly courses and posted a personal best of 2:15:53, narrowly missing the women’s-only world record by 12 seconds to Ethiopia’s Tigist Assefa.

Obiri’s experience encapsulates the broader challenges faced by marathon runners: managing physical limits, strategy, and psychological endurance through the race’s punishing demands. Her message to others confronting difficulty in the sport remains clear: “Don’t lose hope — just keep on trying.” This resilient outlook has become central to her success as she looks to add another chapter to her marathon legacy in New York.