Two-time Boston Marathon champion Hellen Obiri is setting her sights on an unprecedented third consecutive title as she intensifies preparations for the prestigious race set for April 21.
Despite acknowledging the immense pressure that comes with defending her crown, the Olympic bronze medalist remains confident in her ability to make history.
Obiri, who claimed victory in Boston in 2023 and 2024, is well aware of the formidable competition she will face, but she views it as a motivating factor rather than a hurdle.
“There is definitely pressure, especially with the strong field of athletes from Kenya and Ethiopia. However, I take it positively because it drives me to work even harder. My goal is to win three consecutive titles, which would be a historic achievement. Being the defending champion comes with great expectations, but I am embracing the challenge and using it as motivation,” Obiri stated in an interview with Telecomasia.net from her training base in Ngong, KenyaTraining Shift to Kenya Due to Harsh Winter
Typically based in the United States, Obiri has temporarily relocated her training to Kenya due to the extreme winter conditions currently affecting her usual training grounds.
“The winter in the U.S. is quite severe, with frequent snowfall, which would have disrupted my training schedule. To maintain consistency, I decided to return to Kenya for my preliminary preparations before heading back for the final phase leading up to race day,” she explained.
Obiri will face stiff competition from a talented field of elite marathoners, including fellow Kenyans Sharon Lokedi, Maru Ngugi, and veteran Edna Kiplagat, all of whom are based in the U.S. Additionally, Ethiopia’s Yalemzerf Yehualaw and Amane Beriso have been confirmed as part of the star-studded lineup.
As the race day approaches, Obiri remains focused on fine-tuning her preparations, determined to etch her name in the history books with a record-setting third consecutive victory in Boston.
