Olympic Marathon bronze medallist Hellen Obiri will be out to settle a score when she renews her rivalry with compatriot Sharon Lokedi at the New York Mini 10K on June 7 — a clash that promises fireworks in Central Park.
The showdown comes just weeks after Lokedi stunned Obiri in a thrilling sprint finish to win the Boston Marathon on April 21.
Lokedi stormed to a personal best of 2:17:22, holding off a late charge from Obiri, who clocked 2:17:41 to settle for second. Ethiopia’s Yalemzerf Yehualaw rounded out the podium in 2:18:06.
For Obiri, it was heartbreak in Boston. The two-time world 5,000m champion was gunning for a historic third consecutive title, having triumphed in 2023 (2:21:38) and successfully defended her crown in 2024 (2:22:37). Lokedi, who finished runner-up to Obiri last year, admitted that chasing Obiri had fueled her Boston victory.
“Whenever we race together, I’m usually behind her. But today, I told myself that wouldn’t be the case. I pushed myself and I’m glad I did,” Lokedi said post-race. During last year's Boston race, Obiri beat Lokedi to the crown in 2:22:37 to Lokedi's 2:22:45.
At the 2023 New York Marathon, Obiri claimed victory in 2:27:23 ahead of Ethiopia's Letesenbet Gidey (2:27:29) and Lokedi (2:27:33).
Obiri further bested Lokedi to the Olympic podium in Paris with Obiri clocking 2:23:10 for bronze while Lokedi missed the podium by a fraction in fourth place, clocking 2:23:14.
Now, the focus shifts to the streets of Manhattan, where Obiri will be aiming to flip the script following a below-par showing at the Great Manchester Run on May 18.
Touted as the star attraction in the women’s 10K, Obiri faded to fourth in 31:16, trailing Ethiopia’s Medina Eisa (30:42), American Emily Sisson (31:03) and Gotytom Gebreslase (31:11).
It was a far cry from her dominant 2022 performance in Manchester, where she claimed victory in a scintillating 30:15. Obiri is no stranger to the New York Mini 10K either.
In 2023, she clocked 30:19 to finish second behind Ethiopia’s Senbere Teferi (30:12).
But Lokedi will be no pushover. The 2022 New York City Marathon champion has been in sensational form this season, winning the New York Half in March with a 1:07:04 before conquering Boston.
She believes she can extend her high-flying form this season. “New York City has been a special place for me ever since I won the 2022 TCS New York City Marathon in my debut,” Lokedi told the race organisers.
"I am excited to be back competing in Central Park after winning my first United Airlines NYC Half in March and the Boston Marathon to continue the momentum as I take on my third New York Mini 10K.”
Just like Obiri, Lokedi is no stranger to running the New York 10K, having claimed runner-up finishes in 2022 (30:52) and last year (31:04), where she trailed Teferi (30:47).
The Mini 10K — an iconic all-women’s race established in 1972 to empower female runners of all levels — is expected to attract more than 10,000 participants this year.
"Since the first edition i 1972, the race has garnered nearly 250,000 total finishers, with 10,000 runners expected for this year’s race," race organisers said in a statement.
Joining the Kenyan charge are seasoned road warriors Viola Cheptoo and Grace Nawowuna, while the American contingent will be led by Olympians Emily Sisson and Dakotah Lindwurm. Amanda Vestri, Weini Kelati, and Emily Durgin are also in the mix, hoping to shake up the East African dominance.
