Sharon Lokedi Wins Marathon Debut In New York

Kenyan Sharon Lokedi won the women’s race at the New York Marathon in her much anticipated debut on Sunday.

Lokedi, who has been a cross-country runner, claimed  her maiden marathon title, winning in 2hrs 23 minutes and 23 seconds.

Lokedi, who stayed in the pack for the better part of the race, claimed victory in style after tactically brushing aside a strong challenge from a sea of Ethiopia athletes in the last seven kilometre.

Lonah Chemtai Salpeter, a Kenyan-born Israelite, finished second in 2:23.30 seconds while race favorite Gotytom Gebrselassie from Ethiopia came home third in 2:23.39.

According to the organizers, the race day was hot, with temperatures reaching 72 at the finish line, making it the warmest race since 1985, when the race was held in October.

In the Men’s race Evans Kibet of Kenya won the race in a time of 2:08.41 and was closely followed by Ethiopia’s Shura Kitata who clocked 2:08.54 secs.

More to follow