William Ruto Leads Kenyans In Congratulating Hellen Obiri For Winning Boston Marathon: "Well Done"

• Marathoner Hellen Obiri impressed Kenyans after defending her Boston marathon title in a time of 2:22:37
• President William Ruto congratulated her for leading team Kenya to a clean sweep, with Sharon Lokedi and Edna Kiplagat securing second and third places respectively
• She dedicated her win to the rigorous training she underwent before the race which attracted thousands of competitors

Nancy Odindo, a journalist at TUKO.co.ke, brings more than three years of experience covering politics, news, and feature stories across digital and print media in Kenya.

Hellen Obiri has retained her Boston Marathon championship with a remarkable time of 2:22:37.

Despite facing fierce competition from a formidable field of runners, Obiri, 34, acknowledged the demanding nature of the race.

Obiri dedicated her victory to the rigorous training regimen she underwent before the race, emphasising the importance of preparation in achieving success.

"Last year I was unfamiliar with marathons, but this year my training was flawless. We had confidence in all our preparations, including our speed. I declared that I was more prepared than last year, with the clear intention of aiming for victory, something very important to me," she said in her post-race interview.

How did other Kenyans perform in Boston marathon?

Sharon Lokedi secured the second position, crossing the finish line with a time of 2:22:45, closely followed by Edna Kiplagat in third place with a time of 2:23:21.

The marathon drew thousands of participants, showcasing a highly competitive atmosphere.

Sisay Lemma of Ethiopia won the men's race in a time of 2:06:17 while Kenya's Evans Chebet finished third.

Kenyans congratulate Hellen Obiri

President William Ruto was among key leaders and sports fans who have congratulated the marathoner for her outstanding performance.

@WilliamsRuto said:

"Congratulations Hellen Obiri for successfully defending your Boston Marathon title and leading Team Kenya to a clean sweep, with Sharon Lokedi and Edna Kiplagat securing second and third places respectively.

Well done Evans Chebet for securing the bronze medal in the men's race. You have all represented our nation commendably and are excellent ambassadors for Kenya."

Ababu Namwamba said:

"You did it again, Hellen! Hongera Hellen Obiri for superbly defending your Boston Marathon crown, and leading a Kenyan podium sweep at the 2024 edition."

@abuga_makori observed:

"Actually, it is not KDF Senior Sergeant. It is Air Force Sergeant Major Warrant Officer II Hellen Obiri. Gen. Ogolla promoted her last year. But great effort by Obiri, Sharon Lokedi, and Edna Jelangat."

@MikeOkinyi said:

"Congratulations ⁦@hellen_obiri, that was not an easy one in Boston.See you Paris, podium lazima ."

@kdfinfo tweeted:

"General Francis Ogolla, Chief of the Defence Forces, leads the KDF fraternity to congratulate WO2 Hellen Obiri who has successfully defended her Boston Marathon Title."

@Macosta2547 replied to the president:

"Give her a car and the millions the way you gave out the other girl last round."

@Laycon30BG observed:

"At this moment, people in Boston are not even trying to compete with Kenya again in marathon."

@Quotes_ke said:

"Well done beautiful lady, continue seeing yourself through, wishing you great success in the days to come."

12-year-old Dandora girl wins award

In another story, a young girl has defied all odds to win the Best Kid Ambassador Award at the Yetu Awards for her remarkable spirit and talent.

The 12-year-old hails from a broken family struggling with abject poverty in the slums of Dandora, Nairobi.

She first came to the limelight with her excellent performance for Nairobi governor Johnson Sakaja during the launch of Dandora stadium.

Proofreading by Asher Omondi, current affairs journalist and copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.

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