KU alum sets course record in women’s race victory at Boston Marathon

Morning Headlines: April 21
Published: Apr. 21, 2025 at 12:11 PM CDT|Updated: Apr. 21, 2025 at 12:34 PM CDT
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BOSTON, Mass. (KCTV) - The 2025 Boston Marathon on Monday morning has a Rock Chalk champion.

University of Kansas alumna Sharon Lokedi won the women’s race and set a new course record, finishing in 2:17:22. The previous record was 2:19:59. Lokedi pulled ahead of two-time champion Hellen Obiri late in the race.

The 31-year-old Kenyan athlete attended KU from the 2014-2015 academic year to the 2018-2019 academic year. During all five years, she was on the track and field team for long-distance running.

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Some KU career highlights include:

  • 2019 Women’s Indoor Track and Field Performer of the Year
  • 2019 Indoor Big 12 Champion for both 3,000 and 5,000 meters
  • 2018 Cross Country All-Midwest Region and All-Big 12 Team
  • 2018 Outdoor National Champion for 10,000 meters

Full highlights can be found on the KU athletics website.

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In 2022, Lokedi won the TCS New York City marathon with a time of 2:23:23.

In the 2024 Paris Olympics, Lokedi placed fourth in the women’s marathon after filling in for a Kenyan athlete who withdrew due to injury concerns. In the 2024 Boston Marathon, she finished in second, coming in at 2:22:45. She placed third at the 2023 TCS New York City Marathon.