Kenya’s marathon legends, Obiri and Kipruto, are at the forefront of the prestigious World Marathon Majors race, eyeing the Ksh6.4 million prize that rewards the best marathon runners in the world. The journey to this point has been marked by determination, strategic planning, and exceptional performances in some of the most challenging marathon events globally. Both Hellen Obiri and Benson Kipruto have accumulated 34 points each after their remarkable third-place finishes at the Paris 2024 Olympics, positioning them at the top of the leaderboard as the season heads into its final stretch.
The World Marathon Majors is an elite series that brings together the best marathon runners to compete across six major cities: Tokyo, Boston, London, Berlin, Chicago, and New York. In an Olympic year like 2024, the marathon event is also included, adding another layer of competition. Athletes accumulate points based on their performances, and the runner with the highest points at the end of the season is awarded the top prize. For Obiri and Kipruto, the race to secure the Ksh6.4 million prize has been intense, with both athletes demonstrating exceptional skill and resilience.
Hellen Obiri’s journey to the top of the leaderboard began with her victory at the Boston Marathon earlier this year. This win earned her the maximum 25 points awarded to the winner of a major marathon, setting her up as a strong contender for the World Marathon Majors prize. Obiri’s performance in Boston was a testament to her endurance and racing strategy, where she outpaced a field of world-class athletes to claim victory. This victory was not just a win but a statement that Obiri was a force to be reckoned with in the marathon circuit.
Following her Boston triumph, Obiri continued to showcase her determination and skill at the Paris Olympics, where she secured a third-place finish in the marathon event. This achievement added nine more points to her tally, solidifying her position at the top of the leaderboard alongside Kipruto. However, Obiri is aware that the battle is far from over. With three major marathons still on the calendar—Berlin, Chicago, and New York—the competition remains fierce. Ethiopian Tigist Assefa, who finished second in both the Olympics and London Marathon, is just two points behind Obiri with 32 points. Assefa’s strong performances make her a formidable challenger, and Obiri may need to defend her New York Marathon title to fend off this competition and secure her lead.
Benson Kipruto’s journey has been equally impressive, mirroring Obiri’s success in many ways. Kipruto’s victory at the Tokyo Marathon in March was a critical moment in his season, earning him the vital 25 points that placed him in a strong position early on. Like Obiri, Kipruto also delivered a commendable performance at the Paris Olympics, finishing third and adding nine points to his tally. This consistency has kept Kipruto at the top of the leaderboard, but the road ahead is fraught with challenges.
The men’s category in the World Marathon Majors is fiercely contested, with Kipruto facing stiff competition from several top athletes. Ethiopian runners Sisay Lemma, the Boston Marathon champion, and Tamirat Tola, the Olympic champion, are both within striking distance of Kipruto, each with 25 points. Kenya’s Alexander Mutiso, who claimed victory at the London Marathon, is also in close pursuit. With the Berlin, Chicago, and New York marathons still to come, Kipruto knows that he will need to maintain his form and possibly secure another win to guarantee his place at the top.
The Battle Ahead For Obiri and Kipruto: Key Competitors
As the marathon season progresses, Obiri and Kipruto are not just competing against their rivals but also against the pressure of maintaining their lead in one of the most prestigious marathon series in the world. For Obiri, the memory of last year’s heartbreak, where she tied in points with Sifan Hassan but lost the top prize due to a voting decision, will be a motivating factor. This year, Obiri is determined to ensure that history does not repeat itself. A strong performance in the remaining races, particularly in New York, could be the deciding factor in securing the Ksh6.4 million prize and cementing her legacy as one of the greatest marathon runners of her time.
Kipruto, on the other hand, is fully aware that another victory in one of the remaining races could secure his position at the top of the leaderboard. The stakes are incredibly high, and every race will be critical for Kipruto to maintain his lead. His strategic approach to racing, combined with his experience in handling pressure, will be key as he navigates the final three marathons.
The World Marathon Majors prize is not just about the financial reward; it represents the culmination of a season’s worth of hard work, dedication, and endurance. For Obiri and Kipruto, the Ksh6.4 million prize is within reach, but the journey to claim it will require them to dig deep and give their all in the remaining races. The Berlin, Chicago, and New York marathons will be the ultimate tests of their prowess, determination, and will to win.
As the marathon season draws to a close, all eyes will be on Obiri and Kipruto as they aim to secure their place in history as World Marathon Majors champions. The journey has been challenging, but the reward is within reach, and these two Kenyan athletes are poised to make their mark on the global stage. The final races will not only determine the winners of the World Marathon Majors but also solidify the legacy of Obiri and Kipruto as two of the greatest marathon runners in the world.
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