Obiri plotting memorable marathon debut in New York

Two-time world champion over 5000m Hellen Obiri has intensified her training ahead of her much-anticipated marathon debut in November. 

The double Olympic silver medallist is part of the elite women runners who will line up for this year's New York marathon set for November 6. 

On her debut marathon, Obiri, fresh from winning silver at the World Championships in 10,000m, will face some of the toughest opponents, top of the list being Olympic champion Peres Jepchirchir, World bronze medalist Lonah Salpeter and Ethiopian Gotytom Gebreslase. 

Obiri, Jepchirchir among elite athletes set to battle in the New York City Marathon

Obiri will be joined on the debut list by compatriot Sharon Lokedi in a Kenyan contigent of six that also has former world and Newyork champion Ednah Kiplagat, Viola Cheptoo who made her debut on the same course last year finishing second, and Caroline Rotich. 

"I just got back to marathon training two weeks ago after competing on track so I still have some work to do. I got a chance to compete at a road race in India after the world championships and my body responded well to the switch so I am not worried," offered the world cross-country champion in an interview with Mozzart Sport. 

Obiri who set a half marathon PB of 1:04:22 earlier this year finished second to Irene Cheptai at the world 10K Bengaluru race in India on 15 August, coming home in an outstanding 30:44 as Chepati broke the record set by the late Agnes Tirop in 2018. Obiri's time was also inside Tirop’s former course record. 

With seven weeks left to the largest marathon in the world, Obiri says part of her preparations will include a half marathon race in the United Kingdom (UK), after which she will switch gears, depending on what her body needs. 

"This is my debut and I cannot put alot of pressure on myself or on my body. However, in whatever competition I am in, I give my all and this will be no different. I have people helping me get the best preparation for my debut and this will be a memorable race. 

The New York course is tough and I have to get the best training for that. I will be heading to the US at the tail end of my training where I intend to spent a few weeks training," explained Obiri. 

With the defending champion and silver medalists Jepchirchir and Cheptoo on the field as is last year's Berlin Marathon champion Gebreslase, Obiri has a herculean task if she is to medal on her debut.