- Sharon Lokedi won the New York Marathon on debut
- She is among the elite list for the Boston Marathon
- Edna Kiplagat, Joyciline Jepkosgei, Viola Cheptoo also listed to run
Sharon Lokedi will be out to replicate her New York Marathon form into Boston after being enlisted in the elite field for the race scheduled for April 17.
The American-based Kenyan produced one of the best performances for a debutant as she clinched the New York Marathon title last year, in her first ever race in the distance.
Lokedi clocked 2:23:23 to win in New York in her first ever Marathon, and will now have an opportunity to show it was no fluke as she lines up in an equally robust and hugely talented field in Boston.
“I am excited to be running in Boston and I look forward to the race. Of course there has been a huge confidence boost after winning in New York and this will give me some motivation to prepare well for Boston. There is no pressure as such because I just want to get in there and run a good race and finish well,” Lokedi told US Media after her announcement was made.
Another big Kenyan name in the list of elites include former London and New York Marathon champion Joyciline Jepkosgei as well as Mary Ngugi, also based in the United States, who finished third at the last race.
More than a race in Boston
“When it comes to Boston, for me it becomes more than a race. The city is special, and special for me too. I have raced there so many times across different distances and the buzz from the fans all along the course is incredible and I even got married in Boston,” said Ngugi.
Ngugi has shifted her training base to Kenya and is currently training in Nyahururu, where she also has set up a training camp for girls only.
Another Kenyan set to make her debut in Boston is Sheila Chepkirui, who ran 2:17:29 for third in Valencia. Viola Cheptoo, younger sister to Kenyan-turned American track legend Bernard Lagat is also set to compete on the streets of Boston.
The indefatigable Edna Kiplagat who is a two-time winner in Boston having clinched victory in 2021 and 2017 is also one to watch out for in the elite field. She has also won in New York (2010) and London (2014).
This will be her sixth appearance in Boston. Last year, she finished fourth.
More Kenyans lined up for the race
Angela Tanui, Fancy Chemutai, Celestine Chepchirchir, Vibian Chepkirui and Maureen Chepkemoi are the other Kenyans who will step on the tarmac for the race penciled for April 17, 2023.
Other stellar names to look out for in the race include Kenyan-turned American Aliphine Tulamuk who this weekend tested the Boston course by running along it.
“It’s literally giving me goosebumps. It is making me visualize crossing the finish line,” Tuliamuk told US media after completing her run around the course.
She added; “I can’t wait until I cross the finish line here in Boston. I hope that she will be aware enough that she will just run over to Mommy. And that will just make my life. That will make my day. She’s my gold medal.”
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