- Hellen Obiri has enjoyed great success since she decided to participate in the marathon and started training in the United States
- The Kenyan multi-medalist moved to the United States in 2022 to train under former long-distance runner Dathan Ritzenhein
- The Paris Olympic bronze medalist won her second title in New York on November 2, setting a new course record.
Hellen Obiri won her fourth title marathon major after winning the New York City Marathon in 2025.
Source: Getty Images
The 35-year-old athlete was one of Kenya’s best runners in the field, but switched to marathons a few years ago after moving to the United States.
Since moving there, he has won the Boston Marathon and the New York Marathon twice. He also placed third in the Paris Olympics last year.
Where does Hellen Obiri live?
In 2022, Obiri moved from Kenya to Boulder, Colorado, with her husband Tom Nyaundi and their young daughter, Tania, according to ON reports.
He went to the United States to train under the coach of On Athletics ClubDathan Ritzenhein, who was a long distance runner.
He now works with Laura Thweatt.
“We wanted to move to the United States for training and life, so for me it was not a difficult step,” Obiri told CNN in 2022.
Why did Obiri move to America?
According to Forbes, Obiri moved to the United States because of the large community of runners, the high altitude, and the climate that is suitable for long-distance runners like him.
He also told the BBC that he needed a coach to help him train for the marathon.
“When I decided to participate in road racing, I felt that I needed a coach who directly monitors me during training,” he said.
“In a field race you can train without a coach and still do well, but in a marathon sometimes you need a coach to see what you are doing.”
His first time participating in the marathon did not go as he had hoped, as he finished in sixth place in New York with a time of 2:25:49.
He has since regrouped to win two Boston Marathon titles and a New York Marathon title in 2023 before his latest victory on Sunday.
“I wanted to do well. The women were very strong, but I told myself to be patient until the last minute,” he said.
Source: Getty Images
Obiri returns to Kenya
However, Obiri returned to Kenya for a short time earlier this year to prepare for the Boston Marathon.
“I’m excited to be back home for the first time since June. I’ll need about 12 weeks to train for Boston, and training with the scenery of the Ngong mountains will be important to my campaign for a third consecutive win,” he said at the time.
She finished second in the Boston Marathon this year behind Sharon Lokedi.
Eliud Kipchoge announces the next step
In a separate statement, Eliud Kipchoge he revealed his new plans after completing all the major marathons in the world.
Kipchoge finished 17th in the New York Marathon, which was defeated by Benson Kipruto in a victory dominated by Kenyans.
The two-time Olympic marathon champion has announced new plans that will allow him to race on all seven continents.
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