Kenya’s Hellen Obiri continues to inspire the athletics world in 2025. Seamlessly blending her historic track legacy with an ambitious new chapter as a marathon contender. Obiri is known for being the first woman to win World Championship gold in three distinct disciplines. She has won the indoor 3000m, the outdoor 5000m, and the cross country. Proving her versatility extends beyond the track to the roads.
Meanwhile, Obiri’s journey has been defined by relentless determination and adaptability. She first rose to global prominence with her smooth, powerful running style, claiming world titles indoors and outdoors before conquering the rugged challenges of cross country. Her ability to excel across such varied terrains and distances made her one of the most versatile runners in history.
In late 2022, Obiri took a bold step by debuting in the marathon at the New York City Marathon. However, Obiri finished sixth in a highly competitive field. In 2023, through her rapid progress, Hellen Obiri won the 2023 Boston Marathon in only her second marathon race, clocking an impressive 2:21:38.
Obiri demonstrated her strength again in the 2023 New York City Marathon, solidifying her status as a top marathoner. In 2024, Obiri successfully defended her Boston Marathon title, further proving her dominance on the roads.

Hellen Obiri
However, Hellen Obiri has stepped back from track events and will not compete at the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo. She now focuses on marathon racing, highlighting her evolving career and ambition to conquer new challenges. Her transition showcases not only her physical prowess but also her mental strength and strategic vision.
In addition, Obiri’s story inspires athletes worldwide, especially young women in Africa, proving that greatness knows no boundaries. She continues to break stereotypes by excelling across multiple disciplines and now aims to leave an indelible mark on marathon history.
However, Hellen Obiri remains a symbol of resilience, versatility, and excellence. An athlete who doesn’t just win races but rewrites the rules and makes history at every step.