Fresh off a record-breaking run in Sydney, Dutch star Sifan Hassan stands on the brink of yet another monumental test — her debut at the New York City Marathon, taking place today (Sunday) at 3:35 p.m. Kenyan time.
The reigning Olympic marathon champion has been one of the sport’s most fascinating figures, blending brilliance with humility and raw honesty. As she prepares to tackle the world’s most iconic 42km course, Hassan has opened up about her mindset, her fears, and her respect for the formidable field awaiting her in New York.
“I’m excited, but also nervous,” Hassan admitted in an interview with Dutch broadcaster NOS. “The field is full of very strong women — especially the Kenyans. I’m afraid of them, to be honest. Sharon Lokedi, Hellen Obiri, Sheila Chepkirui — they all know this course, they’re used to racing here. For me, it’s my first time. It’s going to be hard.”
Her words may sound modest, but her record speaks of dominance. Since making her marathon debut in London 2023, Hassan has run six races over the distance and won four. In Paris 2024, she stormed to Olympic gold in 2:22:25 — an Olympic record — adding to her collection of bronze medals in the 5,000m and 10,000m. Her latest performance in Sydney 2025 broke the Australian all-comers record with a time of 2:18:22, the fastest ever on the continent.
Calm Amid the Chaos
Despite her credentials, Hassan insists she is not burdened by expectation.
“I can win, but I’m not going to let that get to me,” the 32-year-old said. “I can’t just think about winning — there’s no point. I prefer to play it smart. Of course, I want to win, but I don’t need that extra pressure.”
This approach reflects a maturity that defines her journey from a refugee in the Netherlands to one of the most versatile runners in modern athletics. She has learned to thrive without the weight of perfection.
“The marathon is more than just the race itself; it’s all the preparation — the training, the recovery, the mental work,” she explained. “Every marathon is different. This course is new to me, and I respect it.”
Indeed, New York’s five-borough course is notoriously challenging — full of turns, bridges, and rolling hills that punish even the most seasoned runners. “They say it’s the best,” she smiled, “but I hope it’s not the toughest.”
Fear of the Kenyans
Her candid admission of “being afraid” of her Kenyan rivals has drawn attention, not because it signals weakness, but because it captures the psychological reality of elite sport.
In the women’s field, the last three New York champions are all Kenyan: Sharon Lokedi (2022), Hellen Obiri (2023), and Sheila Chepkirui (2024). Each brings experience, grit, and tactical knowledge of the course that Hassan lacks.
“They’re strong, mentally and physically,” Hassan said. “When you see them run, they don’t give up. You have to fight every second with them. I respect that — it pushes me to be better.”
Hassan’s comments reflect a healthy tension between admiration and competition. It’s the same energy that has often driven her to her best performances.
Skipping Worlds for Sydney — and Success
While most of her rivals spent August competing at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, Hassan made a bold decision to skip the event and focus entirely on Sydney. Critics questioned her choice, but the result silenced any doubts — she delivered a masterclass, breaking the Australian record and dominating the field.
It was a gamble rooted in self-awareness. “I knew what my body needed,” she said. “Sometimes you have to choose your battles.”
“I feel like I hate myself or something. When I was practicing, it really freaking hurt!” she added. You may hate yourself for running two World Majors in 64 days.
Now, after Sydney’s triumph, Hassan says she feels fresh and mentally clear for New York — even if the course remains a mystery.
Speaking Out on Doping and Ruth Chepng’etich’s Ban
Away from racing, Hassan also addressed the recent doping ban of Kenyan marathoner Ruth Chepng’etich, who is serving a three-year suspension after testing positive for Hydrochlorothiazide, a prohibited diuretic.
“It’s really sad,” Hassan said in an interview with LetsRun.com. “It’s hard for me to say anything about other athletes. I don’t know what to say — it’s just very hard. I believe that’s for WADA to handle.”
Hassan revealed that she only learned about the ban recently, having deliberately stayed off media to concentrate on her training terming the race “very hard with strong female racers”.
The Dutch star used the moment to reflect on the wider problem of doping in athletics. “Many athletes make mistakes because they don’t have enough education,” she said. “You can run fast for a while, but you can also destroy your life. Once you start using substances, your body becomes dependent. It’s dangerous. Some retire early; some face health problems. It’s really sad.”
She added that athletes should be taught the consequences early in their careers. “They should learn how dangerous it is. You might win now, but you won’t last long. It’s better to work harder, and you’ll have a career of ten years or more. That’s what I want to teach the young generation.”
The Marathon of Mind and Spirit
For Hassan, the marathon remains a mirror of life — unpredictable, punishing, but profoundly rewarding.
“I always say, you never know what’s going to happen,” she said. “You can prepare for months, but on race day, anything can change. That’s what makes it beautiful — it’s not just about running; it’s about surviving.”
Today in New York, she faces not only the course and her competitors but her own doubts — and perhaps that’s where her strength lies.
Her honesty, humility, and resilience make her one of the most relatable figures in modern sport. Whether she wins or not, Hassan’s story continues to embody the spirit of running: courage, perseverance, and the relentless pursuit of better.
And as the clock ticks toward the 3:35 p.m. start in Kenya, all eyes will be on the streets of New York — where Sifan Hassan will once again test the limits of her body and the power of her belief.
