Sharon Lokedi is confident that this year’s TCS New York City Marathon will be unlike any other. The Kenyan star has boldly predicted an aggressive, fast-paced race as she prepares to face some of the sport’s biggest names, including Olympic medalists Sifan Hassan and Hellen Obiri.
Lokedi, who captured the New York title in 2022 and triumphed again in 2024, believes the 2025 edition will not follow the traditional “sit-and-kick” approach that has defined past races. Instead, she expects a fierce, fast battle from the very start. “I’m expecting fireworks,” she said, adding that the field is packed with elite talent and hungry competitors.
Reflecting on her recent experiences, Lokedi noted how much she has learned from major races like the Boston Marathon and the Paris Olympics, where she finished fourth behind Hassan and Obiri. “In Boston, the race took off really early, around 3K in, and I remember thinking, ‘This is not easy.’ I have a feeling New York might be similar this time,” she said.
Lokedi emphasized the importance of strategy but acknowledged that flexibility will be key. “You have to run your own race and stick to your plan – but sometimes that plan changes depending on how the race unfolds. If the pace is fast, you have to adjust. If it starts slow, you have to think differently.”
The Kenyan runner revealed that her current training has focused on speed and sharper execution. “Before Boston, I worked more on strength and added a half-marathon mid-block. This time, I raced a faster half and fine-tuned my approach to maintain peak fitness without overdoing it,” she explained.
Despite being the defending champion, Lokedi remains humble and prefers not to be the center of attention. “I like flying under the radar. It’s worked well for me. But New York is special — winning here changed things. There’s more attention now, but I hope it’s all positive.”
With an elite lineup ready to battle through the streets of Manhattan, Lokedi believes the stage is set for one of the most thrilling women’s marathons in recent history. “We’re in for something special,” she said — a promise that fans and fellow competitors alike will eagerly watch unfold on race day.
