William Ruto hails Obiri’s never-die-spirit after New York triumph

President William Ruto extended his congratulations to Hellen Obiri for her remarkable victory in the 2023 New York Marathon held on Sunday.

In a statement posted on his X social media account, Ruto praised Obiri for becoming an inspiring figure, highlighting her dedication and unwavering resilience in the world of athletics.

William Ruto on Obiri and co

Ruto expressed his admiration for Sharon Lokedi, Brigid Kosgei, Mary Ngugi, Viola Cheptoo, and Edna Kiplagat, while also acknowledging Albert Korir for his outstanding second-place finish in the men’s race.

“Congratulations to the phenomenal Hellen Obiri, winner of the 2023 New York Marathon. You are an inspiration for your hard work, tenacity, resilience, dedication and never-say-die spirit. Well in Sharon Lokedi for coming 3rd and Brigid Kosgei, Mary Ngugi, Viola Cheptoo and Edna Kiplagat following in that order. Kudos Albert Korir for being runner-up in the men’s race,” Ruto said.

Obiri secured victory in the women’s category at the 2023 New York City Marathon on a Sunday.

Obiri completed the demanding race whose course takes participants through all five boroughs of New York City, in a remarkable time of 2 hours, 27 minutes, and 23 seconds

Hellen Obiri at 33

At 33 years old, Obiri, who had previously triumphed at the 2023 Boston Marathon, showcased her impressive sprinting prowess as she surged ahead of Ethiopia’s Letesenbet Gidey (2:27:29) in a thrilling final stretch

In the race, Obiri became the first woman to win both the Boston and New York City marathons in the same year since 1989, when Norwegian athlete Ingrid Kristiansen accomplished the double.

The defending champion, Sharon Lokedi, claimed third place with a finishing time of 2:27:33. This year’s event featured an exceptionally competitive field, making it one of the most star-studded women’s marathons in history.

Among the elite runners was former world record holder Brigid Kosgei (2:27:45), and Letesenbet Gidey, who had set the fastest debut marathon time in the previous year.

The women’s course record for the New York City Marathon stands at 2:22:31, established by Kenyan athlete Margaret Okayo in 2003. Notably, in 2021, Tokyo Olympic champion Peres Jepchirchir came very close to breaking this record with a time of 2:22:39, while Lokedi emerged victorious last year with a time of 2:23:23.

The New York City Marathon serves as the sixth and final World Marathon Major of the year, concluding a busy fall season for the sport.

It was a season that witnessed the shattering of both the men’s and women’s marathon world records within a span of just two weeks in September and October.

Since 2017, both the men’s and women’s marathon records have been broken three times each, underscoring the extraordinary progress and fierce competition within the sport.