When she races the Boston Marathon later this month, Under Armour Dark Sky Distance’s Sharon Lokedi will not only try to re-create the magic that enabled her to win the 2022 New York Marathon in her debut. She also will be, in a roundabout way, racing to make the uber-competitive Kenyan Olympic Marathon squad.
Athletics Kenya announced on Thursday that Lokedi is on the short list of six women to be considered to represent the country in the Paris Games. Unlike in the United States, Kenya does not have a marathon trials. Rather, a panel will select three — and what a tough decision that panel will have to make.
In order to thoroughly impress the Kenyan officials, Lokedi will need a strong performance in Boston on April 15 — perhaps even the victory.
And that would mean beating countrywoman Helen Obiri, also among the Boston elites. Obiri comes in with impeccable credentials, having won Boston and New York in 2023. She is one of eight women in the Boston field with personal bests under 2:19.
Lokedi’s personal best is 2:23:23, set on the hilly and difficult New York City course. Last year in New York, Lokedi finished third in 2:27:33. Though her times are not as impressive as others, she might gain some support from Kenya officials because she attempts difficult marathons — not glorified time trials on flat courses with pacers.
Even after Boston, Lokedi will have to wait and see how Kenya’s Peres Jepchirchir and Ruth Chepngetich perform in the London Marathon. Both women are among the six finalists. Jepchirchir is the defensing Olympic Marathon champion, and Chepngetich has that speedy 2:14:18 personal best in Chicago in 2022; she is a two-time Chicago winner.
The other Kenyan under consideration is Rosemary Wanjiru, who won the Tokyo Marathon in 2023 and finished second this year; her P.R. is 2:16:14.
It is entirely possible that Lokedi, who splits time between Kenya and Flagstaff, might have the race of her life in Boston and still not be selected for Kenya’s Olympic team.
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