Hellen Obiri: Paris is a tough course, but I’m glad I’ll be participating in the Olympics marathon

Hellen Obiri is one of the top athlete in the 5,000m running, but she had no problem upping the distance and taking on the marathon. She won the Boston Marathon twice and the New York Marathon once, starting in the longest distance since 2022.

“I know Paris, it will be a difficult course, but winning these two marathons gives me a lot of hope, a lot of confidence and a lot of excitement”, said Hellen Obiri in an interview.

However, the 34-year-old Kenyan runner will face stiff competition in Paris, including defending champion Peres Jepchirchir, who made history when she triumphed in New York weeks after winning gold in Tokyo in 2021. And besides, she stepped on the podium at two other prestigious marathons – in Boston and London.

But Hellen Obiri is also celebrating the release on YouTube of a short film ‘The Heart to Race’ detailing her personal journey as an athlete.

“It’s most encouraging for the younger generations, for the young people in the sport. Where you come from doesn’t matter. I’m proof that you can make it to the top”, said Hellen Obiri.

And now in the French capital, the marathon course will follow one of the key historical events – the French Revolution in 1789.

“I’m extremely happy to come to Paris as a marathoner… I believe the marathon is my best event at the Olympics to perform in”, said Hellen Obiri, who also took silver in the 10,000m at the 2022 World Athletics Championships – another step on the way from 5000 meters to 42.5km.