Obiri outlines 2022 season plans ahead of busy schedule

Two-time world 5000m champion Hellen Obiri opened a busy 2022 athletics season by defending her Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) cross country title at Moi Airbase (MAB), clocking 32:49.50 for her fifth trophy. 

The Olympics silver medalist, who had indicated that she would be ditching the track for the road after the Tokyo Olympics says she is not yet done with track and is likely to try and defend her title at the World Championships. 

Obiri retains KDF cross country title

However, she has singled out Ras Al Khaimah (RAK) Marathon as her first half marathon race outside the country before she settles on subsequent races. 

Previously set to take place on Friday 18 February 2022, the 15th edition of the gold label race will now be held a day later on Saturday 19 February. The changes were effected following a decision by the UAE goverment to introduce a new workday and weekend schedule, effective by 1st January 2022.

"I had already indicated that this season I will mostly focus on road racing but I am also considering doing a bit of track racing being the defending champion at both the Commonwealth Games and World Championships in 5000m. However, u have settled on RAK as my first half marathon event of the year," said Obiri who is likely to feature in cross country racing, including the Memorial Agnes Tirop World Cross Country Tour set for Eldoret next month.

Obiri was set to participate in the 2021 edition but it was postponed due to Covid-19 restrictions. An elite field, including three-time world half-marathon champion Geoffrey Kamworor, former world half-marathon record-holder Kibiwott Kandie, world half-marathon champion Jacob Kiplimo, former world half-marathon record-holder Ababel Yeshaneh, world marathon record-holder Brigid Kosgei and Obiri had been announced for the 2021 event.

Ethiopan female elite athlete and reigning RAK champion Yeshaneh and Uganda's Kiplimo are some of the elite athletes who have already confirmed participation. 

Nyaga issues come-get-me plea after Police victory

Yeshaneh will be returning to defend her title and potentially beat her historic win and personal best time of 1:04:31.

Following a spectacular season which saw him complete the 2021 Lisbon Half Marathon, with a record breaking time of 57:31 and become the Half Marathon World Record Holder, Kiplimo is expected to set a quick pace and deliver fierce competition in the men’s category.

Known as the world’s fastest half marathon, the 15th edition of the event will once again take place at the stunning Al Marjan Island, set against the picturesque backdrop of the Arabian Gulf, treating all athletes to pristine views of the nature-based Emirate’s white sandy beaches and shimmering coastline.