[3] He attributed his performance to the lack of a coach and his recent change of disciplines from the 800 m.[4] Following his performance, Maru sought out a college scholarship in the United States but settled for being signed with a management company that placed him in the training camp of Jacob Kiplimo.

[3] On New Year's Eve of 2021, Maru was the runner-up in Berihu Aregawi's world record-breaking 5K run in Barcelona.

[5] In 2022, Maru saw further success in the 5000 metres, qualifying to compete in that event at the 2022 World Championships.

[3] He blamed "fatigue" for not advancing, claiming he landed in Eugene, Oregon just two days before the race, in the "longest trip of [his] life".

[1] In 2024, Maru enrolled as a freshman at the Arkansas Razorbacks track and field team.