Kenyan Sheila Chepkirui created a surprise by winning the New York Marathon this Sunday, November 3, her first major success at 33 years old. Chepkirui won in 2h24mn35s, after managing to free herself from her compatriot Hellen Obiri (2h24mn49s), victorious in New York in 2023 and bronze medalist at the Paris Olympic Games this summer, in a final acceleration. “My training has been very good, I am very happy. I dug deep into myself in the last mile which was very hard, I pushed to the limit,” Chepkirui explained to ESPN. Chepkirui took 6th place in the London Marathon in the spring after shining last year in Berlin, with a 2nd place in 2h17mn49s.
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Interview with Athletics Expert Dr. Samuel Njoroge on Sheila Chepkirui’s Historic New York Marathon Win
Time.news Editor: Thank you for joining us, Dr. Njoroge. Sheila Chepkirui recently achieved a remarkable victory at the New York Marathon, finishing in 2h24mn35s. What does this win signify for her career and the Kenyan athletics scene?
Dr. Samuel Njoroge: Thank you for having me. Sheila Chepkirui’s victory is significant not just for her, but for Kenyan athletics as a whole. At 33 years old, winning the New York Marathon marks her as an emerging force in long-distance running. This win can serve as a catalyst for her career, indicating that she has the potential to compete at the highest levels, particularly following her impressive performance in Berlin last year.
Time.news Editor: Indeed, Chepkirui had already made headlines with a strong performance at the London Marathon earlier this year. How does her performance there compare to her recent victory?
Dr. Samuel Njoroge: In the London Marathon, where she finished sixth, she showcased her competitiveness among elite runners. The difference now is that she executed her race strategy exceptionally well in New York, managing to outpace defending champion Hellen Obiri in the final stretch. This victory not only boosts her confidence but also places her firmly among the top contenders in major marathons globally.
Time.news Editor: Chepkirui mentioned that her training was instrumental in her performance, especially as she “dug deep” in the final mile. Can you explain what kinds of training regimens elite marathon runners typically undergo to prepare for events like this?
Dr. Samuel Njoroge: Certainly! Elite marathon runners like Chepkirui typically engage in a mix of endurance training, speed work, and strength conditioning. They often run high mileage weekly, include interval training to improve speed, and incorporate hill workouts to build strength. Mental preparation plays an equally important role; knowing how to push one’s limits toward the end of a race is crucial. Chepkirui’s ability to “dig deep” suggests she prepared both physically and mentally to overcome that crucial final mile.
Time.news Editor: What does this victory mean for the broader implications in the sports community, especially for women’s athletics?
Dr. Samuel Njoroge: Chepkirui’s triumph is a testament to the rising talent in women’s athletics, particularly from Kenya. It highlights that female athletes are breaking barriers and achieving remarkable feats. This could inspire younger female runners and push federations to invest more in women’s training programs. Moreover, it sends a message that age is not a barrier in elite sports; rather, with the right training and mindset, athletes can peak later in their careers.
Time.news Editor: What practical advice would you give to aspiring marathon runners based on Chepkirui’s journey to success?
Dr. Samuel Njoroge: Aspiring marathon runners should focus on consistency in training—building mileage gradually is key. They should also pay attention to nutrition and recovery, as these elements are critical to sustaining performance over the long haul. Mental training is equally important; visualization techniques and setting achievable goals can help runners cope with the psychological challenges of long distances. Lastly, entering smaller races to gain experience is invaluable before tackling marathons.
Time.news Editor: Thank you, Dr. Njoroge, for sharing your insights on Sheila Chepkirui’s exciting victory at the New York Marathon and the implications for the sport. It’s clear her achievement will leave a lasting impact.
Dr. Samuel Njoroge: My pleasure. Chepkirui’s win not only enriches the narrative of Kenyan excellence in athletics but also sets the stage for the future of women’s distance running. I look forward to seeing how her career progresses!