Obiri leads Kenyan sweep in Boston

Kenya’s Hellen Obiri continued her sparkling form this year when she led a Kenyan podium sweep to win the women’s Boston 10km race held Sunday.

Obiri who claimed the Boston Marathon title in April clocked 31 minutes and 21 second ahead of compatriots Stacy Ndiwa who finished second in 31:25 while Sheila Chepkirui closed the podium in 31:27

From the outset Obiri asserted her frontrunning prowess, building a 13-second lead by 5K. It was then that the hot and humid conditions began to impact the double Olympic medalist.

“At 8K my body was so tired. Maybe I went out too hard from the start,” admitted Obiri. “The ladies coming from behind were so strong. But I say, I’m also the best. I can try to win.”

“I’m so happy about the result,” said Obiri between smiles. “I wanted to run in the 30s [minutes] but unfortunately the weather was too hot, it was humid. But I am so happy for the win today.” The energetic support from the Boston running community also spurred Obiri on: “The crowd was so friendly, all the way they say Go Hellen! You get that energy; you want to race hard so that don’t let your fans down.”

Gabriel Geay of Tanzania took the men’s title in 27 minutes and 49 seconds with the Kenyan duo of Edwin Kurgat (28:01) and Alex Masai finishing second and third respectively.