Sharon Lokedi Makes Bold Prediction Ahead of New York Showdown with Sifan Hassan, Hellen Obiri

Ahead of the  2025 TCS New York City Marathon, Kenya’s Sharon Lokedi has signalled that this year’s edition will not follow the slow, tactical “sit-and-kick” script of previous years. 

Speaking to the media on Friday, Lokedi, who won the 2024 edition months after finishing fourth at the Paris Olympics behind both eventual medalists Sifan Hassan and Hellen Obiri, who finished first and third respectively that day, revealed her expectations for the upcoming event.

“I’m expecting fireworks,” Lokedi said.

PAY ATTENTION: Stay updated with the Latest Sports News in Kenya from Pulse Sports

Lokedi emphasised the importance of having her own plan but noted that strategy must remain flexible. 

“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,” she said.

While the NYC Marathon has often been characterised by a sluggish early pace and explosive finish, Lokedi predicts a departure from that style.

 “There are at least four or five really strong women, and everyone wants to win – so I think it’ll be different … I’m expecting fireworks. It’s not going to be easy,” she said.

Reflecting on her experience at the 2025 Boston Marathon, where the pace exploded early, Lokedi recalled the moment she realised the race was on. “Around 3K in, we were already running so fast, and I remember thinking, ‘This is not easy.’ I have a feeling New York might be similar.”

Comparing her training blocks, she noted subtle but key tweaks this time around. “Before Boston, I focused more on strength and a half-marathon in the middle of training. 

“This time, I also raced a half – but a much faster one. We changed a few things before Copenhagen to sharpen up, then came back and focused on maintaining fitness without over-doing it.”

Despite her status as a defending champion — having claimed victory in New York in 2022 — Lokedi admitted she’s comfortable flying under the radar. But she acknowledged the unique atmosphere and heightened attention that comes with racing New York.

 “I like flying under the radar. It’s worked well for me. But New York is special … winning here for the first time changed things. There’s definitely more attention now, but I hope it’s all in a positive way.”

With an elite field assembled and the streets of Manhattan waiting, Sharon Lokedi is preparing to challenge conventional race patterns and bring a bold approach to the starting line. “We’re in for something special,” she said.

The 2025 TCS New York City Marathon promises to deliver exactly that — fireworks, fierce competition, and the kind of race that could redefine the women’s marathon landscape.