After losing to Hellen Obiri in two previous occasions, Sharon Lokedi finally got one over her close friend and rival as she beat her to the Boston Marathon title. Lokedi pushed hard in the final 2km of a competitive race to win in a time of 2:17:22, a course record for the race.
Last year, Lokedi finished eight seconds behind Obiri, and speaking exclusively to Telecomasia.net after the race, she says she was determined to go one better. She had earlier in an exclusive interview before the race disclosed her ambition to topple Obiri from the throne.
When we got to about 40km and she kicked, I had to go with her. I was really worn out because of the grueling race but I told myself, not today. I have to go with her. I was determined to fight till the end. I saw my mum at the finish line and I wanted to give it all for her. I just didn’t give up until the end. I had to really dig deep because I knew I had something that could push me through.
The Kenyan has now won her second major marathon, having previously clinched the New York Marathon in 2022. She is yet to disclose her next ambition after Boston, but definitely says the victory has spurred her hunger and desire to go for another major.
