•Reiterating her earlier statement that she will not grace the World Championships in Budapest, Hungary, Obiri asked those who will hold forte for Kenya to make the country proud.
•She is fresh from her third Great Manchester Run 10km title, which she successfully defended in 31:14 earlier in the month.
Image: FILE
Kenyan road and track sensation Hellen Obiri has pledged to deliver more vintage performances in the marathon races later in the year.
In an interview on Sunday, Obiri said she is honing her skills with sights firmly trained on masterclass acts over the distance.
"I will be focusing on my next marathon, probably in October or November, but I've not yet decided which one," Obiri said on the phone.
The two-time world 5,000m champion returned to her training base in Colorado, USA, where she has settled with her family after attending the Kenya Defence Forces Athletics Championship, earlier in the month.
Obiri said she is not under the pump to lower her time in the marathon. "I only want to run well and win all the races going forward. I don't feel any pressure at all to clock a particular time. I don't have any in mind," Obiri said.
She extolled President William Ruto for introducing a lofty scheme to award athletes who break records and bag medals, adding that other countries will now find it extremely difficult to beat Kenyans. "It's a good idea that will motivate athletes to work extra hard," Obiri said.
Last week, the president gifted Kenyan track queen Faith Kipyegon Sh5 million in cash prize and a house in Park Road, Nairobi valued at Sh6 million after she broke the 1500m and 5000m records during the Diamond League in Florence Italy, and Paris France respectively.
Reiterating her earlier statement that she will not grace the World Championships in Budapest, Hungary, Obiri asked those who will hold forte for Kenya to make the country proud.
"I am wishing them all the very best, and praying to God to grant them good health. More than 50 million Kenyans will be behind them," Obiri said.
"I will not be doing Budapest in August. I do not have the experience necessary to win a marathon race if I declare to compete because I have only run two marathons."
The 33-year-old sergeant has experienced an amazing season with triumphs in the Boston Marathon and Great Manchester 10k Run.
She is fresh from her third Great Manchester Run 10km title, which she successfully defended in 31:14 earlier in the month.
After winning the race for the first time in 2019, where she clocked 31:23, Obiri reclaimed the championship last year with a track record time of 30:15, breaking the previous mark of 30:52 set in 2021 by Great Britain's Eilish McColgan.
"Occasionally, it's a good idea to attempt running the 10k race after taking part in the marathon to determine your speed. I have been doing exactly that," Obiri stated.
"My physique has been in terrific form ever since I started competing in cross-country races in January. I have won every race I have entered, and I intend to keep it up for the remainder of the season. I'm going to concentrate and work out hard."