Boston Marathon: Defending Champion Hellen Obiri Doesn’t Shy Away From Calling Out Competitors

The Boston Marathon 2024 is just 48 hours away. However, a large section of American middle-distance runners are keeping their distance from the Track and field event this time, as it wouldn’t change much in the Olympic trial fate. Still, the competition might not bleaker as both the defending champions in men’s and women’s categories have decided to participate in the April 15 Affair.

Both Evans Chebet and Hellen Obiri are eagerly waiting to step on the track. Kenyan middle-distance runner Obiri had previously displayed her grit to win the Boston Marathon and TCS NY Marathon in the same year (2023). In her latest conversation, Hellen proved that she remains the same determined soul. 

Before facing the actual challenge of the tracks of Boston, Hellen Obiri threw challenges to the opponents. The defending champion in the women’s category has stepped into Boston after earning big in the Aramco Houston Half Marathon. So while giving an interview to Citius Mag, the 34-year-old Kenyan athlete hinted at her confidence in being the top seed in the tournament. However, she also claimed, “We have very strong ladies here.” But she sounded fairly confident about her chances as well. 

When the host asked him whether she was in her best marathon shape, Hellen agreed firmly. She added, “My build-up this year has been amazing for me, I’m running so fast”. At the same time, the Boston Marathon defending champion narrated the importance of smarter thinking to win the race on the penultimate day. Last time, Hellen Obiri found her name in the schedule lately because of her jolt in confidence after facing defeat in the NY Marathon 2022. 

But this time, the 2x Olympic medalist is brewing hope for her fitness, confidence, performance, and the urge to touch a millstone. However, things would not be easy as the competitors’ list is too lengthy to ignore. 

Obiri’s tough challenges on the way to her Boston Marathon double 

The last time the Boston Marathon witnessed a female runner make it a double was in 2005. Catherine Ndereba held her breath to achieve the unthinkable. On the quest to repeat the feat, Hellen Obiri will have her compatriots of national color, Edna Kiplagat and Mary Ngugi-Cooper to challenge her. Another interesting factor can be derived from the lineup.

This year’s race will have nine women with sub-2:20 personal bests, which is the most in the history of the event. Other than them, several runners from the same continent might pose a threat to Hellen’s double feat dream. Among them, Ethiopians Tadu Teshome (2:17:36 pb) and Hiwot Gebremaryam (2:17:59 pb) are probably the strongest contenders. The Ethiopian dominance does not end here.

There will be Meseret Belete (2:18:21). The Ethiopian runner will step into the Boston track after winning her marathons in Doha and Amsterdam. Hellen Obiri’s arch-rival Sharon Lokedi will also be in the Boston Marathon. She is returning from her ankle injury from last year. Hellen might find solace as another arch-rival, Letesenbet Gidey will miss the Boston Marathon 2024 occasion. From the American camp, Emma Bates will look forward to intensifying the competition.