Lokedi eyes redemption at Boston 10K after New York setback

Fresh off a below-par showing at the New York Mini 10K, Boston Marathon champion Sharon Lokedi will be gunning for redemption when she returns to familiar territory for the Boston 10K on Sunday.

Lokedi, who stunned the world with her commanding victory at this year’s Boston Marathon, could only manage fifth place in New York on June 7, clocking 31:13 in a race dominated by Olympic marathon bronze medallist, Hellen Obiri.

Obiri stormed to victory in 30:44 after a fierce sprint finish against American Weini Kelati, who settled for second in 30:49. Ethiopia’s Gotytom Gebreslase sealed third in 30:54.

That result has only added fuel to Lokedi’s competitive fire as she eyes a strong bounce-back performance in Boston. Lokedi believes her triumph at the Boston Marathon earlier this year will catapult her to glory. "Winning the Boston Marathon is a highlight of my career so far," Lokedi told race organisers.

"I am excited to return to Boston to race the 10K and relive the same feeling from the marathon."

In April, Lokedi turned the tables on defending champion Obiri to win the Boston Marathon in a course record time of 2:17:22.  Obiri settled for second place after clocking 2:17:41, with Ethiopia’s Yalemzerf Yehualaw (2:18:06) rounding off the podium. This will mark Lokedi’s second attempt at the Boston 10K, having registered a DNF in her debut back in 2022.

With form, fitness, and confidence on her side, the Kenyan will be aiming for improved results in her second outing. Race organisers expect fast times in the race, which has attracted over 10,000 participants from 97 countries. "The Boston running community can expect fast times and thrilling races at this year's 10K across all divisions," the race organisers said in a statement.

Lokedi will flex muscles with New York City Marathon champion Sheila Chepkirui, who is in sensational form since kicking off her 2025 campaign. On March 9, Chepkirui dominated the Nagoya Women’s Marathon to clinch the crown in 2:20:40. Japan’s Sayaka Sato (2:20:59) and Bahrain’s Eunice Chumba (2:21:35) completed the podium.

Veteran Edna Kiplagat, Jesca Chelangat, former Commonwealth 5,000m champion Mercy Cherono, Stacy Ndiwa and Gladys Kwamboka add more Kenyan firepower to the deep field. In the men’s race, Alex Masai will anchor Kenya’s charge alongside Dennis Kitiyo and Wesley Kiptoo.