Sharon Lokedi is aiming for victory at the Boston Marathon where she will be facing elite rivals.
2022 New York City Marathon champion Sharon Lokedi has rapidly ascended to the pinnacle of long-distance running with her sights firmly set on the 128th Boston Marathon.
Amidst a field brimming with talent, Lokedi's journey from her marathon debut to becoming a favorite in Boston illustrates not only her athletic prowess but also her unique approach to managing the pressures of elite competition.
"Before I get to a race, there’s so much tension and anxiety. I try to remain present," Lokedi shared as per Run.
![Jessica Stenson: From motherhood to marathon glory – an inspiring journey to Paris 2024](https://sportal365images.com/process/smp-images-production/ringier.africa/08042024/53a4e556-34b3-4cae-af1e-8c4d531eccf0.jpg?operations=fit(180:))
12:00 - 09.04.2024
Jessica Stenson: From motherhood to marathon glory – an inspiring journey to Paris 2024
Six months postpartum, Jessica Stenson smashed her marathon personal best and qualified for Paris 2024,defying norms around motherhood and athleticism.
This practice, recommended by her sports psychologist in July 2023, has helped her maintain calm and focus, vital for someone whose career in running has been anything but typical.
Surprising herself and the athletic world, she clinched victory at her first marathon attempt in New York in 2022 with a time of 2:23:23, joining the ranks of debut winners in the storied race.
Despite facing an injury that sidelined her from the Boston Marathon last April she returned to the global marathon scene last November, securing a third-place finish in New York, a testament to her resilience and tenacity.
The 30-year-old Kenyan runner's story is a blend of innate talent and serendipity having never envisioned a professional career in athletics.
![Five sprint stars to watch at Xiamen Diamond League](https://sportal365images.com/process/smp-images-production/ringier.africa/07042024/76a86c2d-cf06-474a-b291-392c9ab69c08.jpg?operations=fit(180:))
06:30 - 08.04.2024
Five sprint stars to watch at Xiamen Diamond League
Pulse Sports delves into five elite athletes set to dazzle at the Xiamen Diamond League on Saturday April 20 at Egret Stadium.
From her humble beginnings running at age 12 to training alongside Olympic champions in Kaptagat, Kenya, Lokedi's ascent in the sport is, by her own admission, "a miracle."
Training at altitudes close to 8,000 feet, Lokedi has pushed her limits, clocking upwards of 140 miles a week in preparation for Boston.
Under the guidance of her coach Haas, she has emphasized hill training, a crucial component for tackling the notoriously challenging Boston course.
![Watch as Sha'Carri Richardson is featured in another ad with leading American tech brand [VIDEO]](https://sportal365images.com/process/smp-images-production/ringier.africa/09042024/16cad168-ae39-4b12-acb4-e86fae65b24d.png?operations=fit(180:))
10:18 - 09.04.2024
Watch as Sha'Carri Richardson is featured in another ad with leading American tech brand [VIDEO]
Sha'Carri Richardson is making money moves by signing money-minting deals ahead of her season opener at the Diamond League Meeting in Xiamen.
"I think she’ll be in the mix," said Haas, highlighting Lokedi's diligent preparation and positive mindset.
Lokedi's connection to the running community, both in Kenya and her second home in Flagstaff, Arizona, has been a source of strength and inspiration.
The camaraderie she shares with competitors, including close friend and fellow Kenyan Hellen Obiri underscores a spirit of mutual respect and friendship that transcends rivalry.
"Racing with Sharon, it’s really good for me," Obiri remarked.
![Paris 2024: Five fascinating facts about groundbreaking purple athletics track](https://sportal365images.com/process/smp-images-production/ringier.africa/08042024/5a73758c-79ab-486f-8160-b21a60bb0e05.jpg?operations=fit(180:))
08:00 - 09.04.2024
Paris 2024: Five fascinating facts about groundbreaking purple athletics track
The innovative purple track for the Paris Olympics, designed by Italian firm Mondo, promises unprecedented performances and visual appeal.
The Boston Marathon promises a historic showdown in the women's elite field, featuring luminaries such as Obiri, Tadu Teshome, Hiwot Gebremariam, and Edna Kiplagat, alongside promising American contenders like Emma Bates and Sara Hall.
"Sharon has been my good friend since 2019. She’s a lovely girl," Obiri added, highlighting the deep bonds formed between athletes at the highest levels of competition.
For Lokedi and Obiri, the Boston Marathon is not just another race, it is an opportunity to showcase their skills, support each other, and celebrate their friendship, irrespective of the outcome.
![Ferdinand Omanyala outlines what Kenya must work on to be successful at World Relays](https://sportal365images.com/process/smp-images-production/ringier.africa/09042024/6119b347-c146-416b-80a6-97f520c7c145.jpg?operations=fit(180:))
06:00 - 09.04.2024
Ferdinand Omanyala outlines what Kenya must work on to be successful at World Relays
Africa’s fastest man Ferdinand Omanyala has pointed out the key areas Team Kenya has to address for a successful outing at next month’s World Relays Championships.
As she prepares to toe the line in Boston, her message is clear: "I know I’m strong. I want to come into the race knowing that anything is possible."
Follow us on X (Twitter) for more updates.