Hellen Obiri secured a bronze medal for Kenya in the women’s marathon at the Paris 2024 Olympics, finishing third with a personal best of 2:23:10 on Saturday morning.

Obiri, who previously won silver in the 5,000 metres at both the 2016 and 2020 Olympics, had been aiming to continue her impressive marathon streak, following victories in the Boston Marathon (2023, 2024) and the New York Marathon (2024). However, she was unable to keep pace in the final 500 metres as Sifan Hassan of the Netherlands, originally from Ethiopia, and Ethiopia’s Tigist Assefa pulled ahead in a thrilling sprint for the gold.

The race had been anticipated to challenge the Olympic record of 2:23:07, set by Ethiopia’s Tiki Gelana at the London 2012 Games, with 22 women having run sub-2:20 marathons in 2024. Hassan, who had already earned bronze in the 5,000 and 10,000 metres at these Olympics, emerged victorious, setting a new Olympic record of 2:22:55.

Hassan’s tactical prowess saw her outpace Assefa, the world record holder for the event, who took silver with a time of 2:22:58. Kenya’s Sharon Lokedi, who had been a strong contender for a medal, finished just outside the podium in fourth place, clocking a personal best of 2:23:14. Lokedi only joined Kenya’s marathon team shortly before the event due to Brigid Kosgei’s withdrawal through injury.

Peres Jepchirchir, the Tokyo 2020 Olympic champion, could not replicate her past success. She struggled after 33 kilometres and eventually finished 15th with a time of 2:26:51. Jepchirchir, who had entered the race with high hopes following her 2024 London Marathon win, stood out at the start line with a new blonde mohawk, a striking change from her look in Tokyo.

The women’s marathon saw intense competition throughout, with the leading pack frequently shifting. Despite early attempts by France’s Melody Julien and Australia’s Jessica Stenson to break away, the group remained tight until the later stages. The undulating course and steep climbs between the 26 and 30-kilometre marks were particularly challenging, whittling the pack down to a select group of five by the 40-kilometre mark.

As the race neared its conclusion, Obiri momentarily took the lead before Hassan and Assefa broke away in the final sprint. In the end, Hassan’s finishing speed, honed from her track background, proved decisive as she crossed the line in record time, further cementing her status as one of the all-time greats in long-distance running.