On the final day of running competition at the Paris Olympics in August, Sharon Lokedi knew the numbers down the stretch in the women’s marathon we’re simple: she was one of four in the final group at the 41 kilometer mark with three podium slots up for grabs.
Hellen Obiri, Tigst Assefa and Sifan Hassan were also part of a pack that successfully shook off the rest of the field on a hilly course when the fight for gold really began. Hassan and Assefa battled to the line with gold going to Hassan while, Lokedi trailed and settled for fourth behind Obiri. An impressive effort for Lokedi but also a sign that as part of the best marathoners in the world, it’s anyone’s race.
At the 2022 New York City Marathon, Lokedi proved how true that scenario can be, as she won in 2:23:23 in her marathon debut in what was considered and upset over a deep field that included Obiri, Edna Kiplagat and Viola Cheptoo Lagat. It was the sign that Lokedi will be in the mix for some time to come.
With another crack at New York on the table this weekend, Lokedi talked strategy and the right combination of tools she hoped will power her to another win on a familiar course.