Athletics: Mary has a personal best of 1:06.29 in half marathon

2016 BAA 10km Boston, Ma June 26, 2016 Photo: Victah Sailer@PhotoRun

Wacera ready to make full marathon debut in Boston

As part of her 42km preparation, the two-time world half marathon medallist will feature at New York City Half Marathon.

Apart from being a fierce competitor, Mary Wacera Ngugi is undoubtedly gorgeous.

Her outgoing personality makes her one of the most popular female athlete on social media and the runner is set to give Kenyans more reason to talk when she makes her full marathon debut.

The Nyahururu-based runner won silver at the 2014 World Half Marathon in Copenhagen and followed it with bronze from Cardiff’s global showpiece two years later.

As part of her marathon preparation debut at the Boston Marathon in April, the 30 year–old will feature in the United Airlines New York City Half Marathon on March 17.

The mother of one has established herself as a 21km specialist and has competed in 18 half marathons, finishing in podium positions in most of them.  

“I have been running half marathons for close to seven years now. I feel I’m now ready to compete at the full marathon,” said Wacera, who is coached by Francis Kamau.

“But in the meantime as part of my preparation, I’m excited to run the United Airlines New York City half marathon. The organisers have assembled quality field and it will be nice gauge myself.”

Wacera, who boasts a personal best of 1:06.29 in half marathon added: “I feel strong and empowered ahead of my 42km debut in Boston Marathon. I just hope the body will respond well.”  

At the New York City Half Marathon, Wacera will be joined by World Half Marathon record holder Joyciline Jepkosgei in the star-studded field that also has the race’s defending champion Ethiopian Buze Diriba and American Desire Linden.

Linden will be using the half marathon as her final tune-up race before attempting to defend her Boston Marathon title in April.

Last year, she became the first American to win the women’s open division at the Boston Marathon in 33 years.

Now managed by Briton Chris Cooper’s Coops Run Group, Wacera picked up running while still a student at Kagondu High School where she shared a class with 2019 Tokyo Marathon silver medallist Bedan Karoki.

“I started running at a very early age. In 2006 I won bronze in 5000m at the World Under-20 championships. That victory really motivated me to work harder. In 2007, I won gold at Africa Junior Championships in Bujumbura.”

“I have also represented Kenya twice at the World Half Marathon and finished second and third respectively,” said Wacera.

Wacera, who was born in Kiambu County but now lives in Nyahururu, also commented on her love for pictures and her outgoing personality.

“I love taking pictures and posting them on social media especially Instagram. At first, I was afraid of what people would say about me,” said Wacera.