Kenya’s Hellen Obiri added another chapter to her storied career on Saturday with a commanding victory at the 2025 Mastercard New York Mini 10K.
Obiri, the only woman in history to win world titles in indoor track, outdoor track, and cross country, clinched the women’s-only 10K road race title in 30:44. She pulled away from American Weini Kelati in the final mile. The win completes a rare “New York trifecta” for Hellen Obiri. She had already captured titles at the United Airlines NYC Half and the TCS New York City Marathon.
“First of all, I was so happy because the ladies were so strong,” Obiri said post-race. “Coming up from Boston and Manchester, I just wanted to give my best.”
The kenyan star credited her recent focus on speed sharpening and nutrition for the strong showing. She also credited her coach’s support and motivation during the race. Obiri tactically stayed behind Kelati before making a decisive move just past the 9-kilometre mark.
“I said to myself, if I can stick behind Winnie [Kelati] until 9K, even finishing second would be okay. But at 9.3K, I still had strong legs, so I pushed.”
Kelati, making her Mini 10K debut, finished second in 30:49 . That was the fastest time ever recorded by an American in the event’s history.
World Cross Country
While her recent career has been defined by dominance on the roads, Obiri hinted at a potential return to the discipline where she first made global headlines: cross country. She confirmed she is considering traveling back to Kenya in December for the national trials ahead of the World Cross Country Championships. The 2026 World Athletics Cross Country Championships is going to be held in Tallahassee, Florida, on 10 January 2026.
“I like doing cross country. I won the world title in 2019,” she said. “Kenya has very strong ladies, but I believe I’m capable of making the team.”
Obiri will resume full marathon training in July at her Colorado base. She plans to stay there throughout the winter. But her remarks made it clear that she has unfinished business in cross country.
The 2025 Mastercard Mini 10K made history as the largest-ever edition of the event, drawing nearly 10,000 participants to Central Park. The race featured a world-class field, including Olympians, world medalists, and major marathon champions.
In the wheelchair division, American Susannah Scaroni continued her dominance. She won in a course record 20:49 . That was the first sub-21-minute finish in event history and her sixth straight Mini 10K title since 2018.
