NAIROBI, Kenya, Jan 9 – After her imperious run at the New York Marathon where she won on debut, American-based Kenyan Sharon Lokedi has landed her second major marathon invitation after being listed among the elite crop for this year’s Boston Marathon.
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.
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.
“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.
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.
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.
