Shokz ambassador Hellen Obiri has once again proven why she's one of the greatest distance runners of all time. Known for her relentless drive, Obiri added another accolade to her impressive resume by claiming the bronze medal at the 2024 Paris Marathon. For Obiri, each finish line represents a new beginning, not a conclusion.
Obsessed with Progress
At 34, Hellen Obiri’s journey in distance running is nothing short of remarkable. As the only woman to claim World Championship golds indoors, outdoors, and in cross country, she has cemented her legacy as a running powerhouse. Her victories span the globe, including gold medals in the 5000m at the World Championships, wins at the 2023 and 2024 Boston Marathons, and triumphs at the 2023 New York City Marathon and the 2024 Paris Marathon.
Though her career includes two silver medals in the 5000m at the Rio and Tokyo Olympics, Obiri’s success across multiple distances and her domination in events like the Diamond League and the World Cross Country Championships have made her a true icon in the sport. Fans continue to be inspired by her determination and versatility, with one noting, “She has been a leading runner across various distances for years. Her sportsmanship is exceptional, and her attitude and confidence are truly inspiring.”
From Humble Beginnings to the GOAT
Obiri's path to becoming a world-class marathoner wasn't always clear. She started out on the school tracks of Kenya, running shorter distances like the 200m and 400m, and even played netball before discovering her talent for long-distance running. Her potential was first recognized by 2000 Olympic 1500m champion Noah Ngeny, and under the guidance of coach Ricky Simms, she shifted focus to the 1500m, marking the beginning of her rise in track and field.
But Obiri wasn’t one to settle. In 2022, she made the bold decision to move to Colorado and join coach Dathan Ritzenhein's program to take on the marathon—a move that surprised many but ultimately paid off. Her hard work, dedication, and natural talent have since translated into success on the marathon stage, where she continues to shine.
Hellen Obiri x Shokz
In 2024, Shokz proudly welcomed Hellen Obiri as a member of the Shokz Athlete family, collaborating with her to refine the innovative open-ear headphones that athletes around the world love. Since its founding in 2011, Shokz has been a leader in open-ear technology, creating headphones that blend comfort and performance for athletes across all sports.
Obiri’s partnership with Shokz is rooted in shared values—the pursuit of greatness and the refusal to accept limits. Just as Obiri pushes herself to new heights with every race, Shokz continually innovates to deliver world-class audio experiences, helping athletes stay connected to their surroundings while performing at their best.