Evans Chebet and Hellen Obiri Conquer the Boston Marathon’s Taxing Course

But like Kipchoge, Obiri is not immune to tough tests and even the occasional mistake. When she made her marathon debut in New York in November, she went out too hard — she doubled as a “pacemaker,” she said — and faded to a sixth-place finish. She also erred by failing to consume enough water and electrolytes. In hindsight, Ritzenhein said, the experience taught her a great deal.

“It really made her fear and respect the event,” he said.

But Obiri was not exactly in a rush to do another marathon. A few days after she won the New York City Half Marathon last month, Ritzenhein gauged her interest in entering Boston. Obiri asked if she could have a week to think it over.

“No,” Ritzenhein recalled telling her, “text me tonight.”

Obiri decided to go for it. Ritzenhein said her training, which included a long, consistent stretch of 100-mile weeks, gave him the confidence that she could excel in Boston, with a fresh opportunity to put many of the lessons she had learned into practice. Ritzenhein advised her to be cautious through the first 21 miles.

“She was smart and just waited,” he said. “I didn’t think she could wait as long as she did.”

Obiri is a ferocious runner, with long, loping strides. And at Mile 24, she pushed forward. The wait was over. Ritzenhein said he could sense as much from her stride. “The power came out,” he said.

Obiri doubled over with emotion after she crossed the finish line. Amane Beriso of Ethiopia was 12 seconds back in second place, and Lonah Salpeter of Israel finished third.

Article source: https://www.nytimes.com/2023/04/17/sports/evans-chebet-and-hellen-obiri-win.html