Sharon Lokedi won the women’s New York City Marathon

Kenyan long-distance runner Sharon Lokedi won the women’s New York City Marathon. She finished at 2:23:23 hours just ahead of Lonah Chemtai Salpeter of Israel.

It was Sharon Lokedi’s first-ever marathon. She showed patience and grit, and it paid off.

Gotytom Gebreslase of Ethiopia, the reigning world champion, made a strong move at about 16 and a half miles, but Lonah Chemtai Salpeter did not retreat and followed her closely. By mile 18 Sharon Lokedi and Lonah Chemtai Salpeter were 11 seconds off the lead.

The 28-years-old Kenyan long-distance runner was in a tight race before she pulled ahead of Lonah Chemtai Salpeter in the final two miles to win by seven seconds and finish about 50 seconds off the course record.

“I wanted to be in the race”, said Sharon Lokedi. “I know I was strong. I had really good training. I wanted to put myself in it and race and see where I end up. Halfway through I felt really good. I had really good help from Salpeter. I didn’t expect to win. I’m really excited for today”, added she.

Sharon Lokedi is a Kenyan middle and long-distance runner from the major city of Eldoret. She was recruited to the University of Kansas where she has studied nursing and business. She began competing first in collegiate track and cross country in 2015.