Two-time Boston and New York Marathon champion Hellen Obiri is confident of successfully defending her title at the New York Mini 10K today as she prepares for a blockbuster showdown against fellow Kenyan stars Sharon Lokedi and Agnes Ng’etich.
Obiri returns to the prestigious race as the defending champion after claiming victory in last year’s edition in 30:44. American Weini Kelati finished second in 30:49, while Ethiopia’s Gotytom Gebreslase completed the podium in 30:54.
The Kenyan veteran heads into the race with fond memories of New York, where she enjoyed one of the most successful campaigns of her career in 2025.
“I am looking forward to returning to Central Park after setting a course record at the New York City Marathon and winning the Mastercard New York Mini 10K last year,” Obiri told race organisers.
The 35-year-old produced a memorable performance at last year’s New York City Marathon, clocking a course-record 2:19:51 to erase the previous mark of 2:22:31 set by fellow Kenyan Margaret Okayo in 2003.
She also led a Kenyan clean sweep of the podium, finishing ahead of Sharon Lokedi (2:20:07) and Sheila Chepkirui (2:20:24).
Obiri is equally excited about competing alongside thousands of women runners expected to take part in the race.
“I am excited to take on this challenge among a competitive group of women athletes and the 10,000 women who will be inspiring and motivating each other on the course,” she said.
The former world champion arrives in New York in impressive form after winning the New York Half Marathon in March, where she crossed the finish line in 1:06:33 ahead of Lokedi, who finished second in 1:07:10.
Ng’etich endured a difficult outing and placed 13th in 1:10:25.Obiri later made her London Marathon debut and delivered a personal best of 2:15:53 to finish second behind Ethiopia’s Tigst Assefa, who set a new women’s-only world record.However, she faces stiff competition from Lokedi and Ng’etich.
Lokedi comes into the race fresh from defending her Boston Marathon title in April, where she shattered the course record with a winning time of 2:18:51.
Ng’etich, meanwhile, could prove the athlete to beat over the shorter distance. The 25-year-old holds both the women’s 10km road world record of 28:46 and the women’s-only world record of 29:27.
She has also enjoyed a sensational 2026 campaign, winning gold at the World Cross Country Championships before claiming victories at the Sirikwa Classic Cross Country Tour and the Lille 10K.
With three of Kenya’s finest distance runners set to battle it out in Central Park, fans can expect a thrilling contest as Obiri seeks to retain her crown against two athletes determined to dethrone her.
