Agnes Jebet feeling pressure of facing Hellen Obiri at New York Half Marathon
Reading Time: 3min | Sun. 15.03.26. | 09:04
The second-fastest half-marathon runner in history is set for a high-profile showdown against fellow Kenyans Hellen Obiri and Sharon Lokedi, who headline a strong women’s field.
World 10km record holder Agnes Ngetich has admitted that pressure will be high when she lines up against some of the world’s best runners at the New York City Half Marathon on Sunday, 15 March.
Ngetich will be making her third appearance of the season after an impressive start to the year that has already seen her claim victories at the World Athletics Cross Country Championships in Tallahassee, Florida, and the Sirikwa Classic Cross Country.
Speaking ahead of the race, Ngetich revealed that her participation in the New York event was initially arranged by her team manager, but she embraced the opportunity to compete on one of the sport’s biggest stages.
“It’s so exciting running through the beautiful streets and racing with the likes of Obiri and Lokedi. I would choose New York City once more. There will be a lot of pressure, but I will just focus on running my race. They will run their races,, and we will see,” she told LetsRun.com.
Ngetich described the New York course as one that resembles a cross-country track winding through city streets, something she believes plays to her strengths.
“I definitely like it. Mentally, I’m prepared for the course. It’s like a cross-country course, so I’m ready. I can’t wait to run on this hilly and challenging route. Starting the season with the World Cross Country prepared me mentally for the race ahead. I’m excited to see what lies ahead,” the cross-country specialist said.
The 23-year-old added that the victories at the World Cross Country Championships and Sirikwa Classic have served as a perfect buildup heading into the race.
“It has prepared me mentally. Winning the World Cross Country and running at the Sirikwa Cross Country have been part of my buildup. Being called a World Cross Country champion has motivated me to push for more this season, so I feel well prepared,” she said.
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While Sunday’s race presents a major test, Ngetich insists she is approaching it without placing expectations on herself.
“I don’t have any expectations, but we will be there on Sunday and see what happens. I hope for the best,” she said.
Looking ahead, the Kenyan star hinted that she could mix road racing with track competitions later in the season as she continues to consult with her coaching team.
“For this season, I’m thinking of doing a bit of track as well, but we are still finalizing plans with the coach and the manager. Training has gone well. We have done our part with the coach, and now we wait to see what happens on Sunday,” she said.
