KU alum runs straight into mother’s arms after winning the Boston Marathon
The Boston Marathon women’s record is now held by a former Kansas Jayhawks star.
Sharon Lokedi, who was a 10-time All-American and 12-time Big 12 champion with the Jayhawks from 2015-19, on Monday destroyed the Boston Marathon record.
Lokedi completed the 26.2-mile course in 2 hours, 17 minutes and 22 seconds, shaving more than 2 1/2 minutes off the old women’s record of 2:19:59, which was set by Buzunesh Deba in 2014, KU Athletics said.
In a sweet moment, Lokedi ran straight into the arms of her mother after breaking the tape at the finish line.
“She’s my inspiration and she’s always there supporting me, so it was good to win and be here to see all that,” Lokedi told Boston.com. “It feels so good.
“I cannot believe I am a champion. My teammates, everyone that’s been supporting me, I just want to say thank you, and thank you Boston it was awesome out there. I loved every part of it.”
Lokedi previously won the 2022 New York marathon and was fourth in the marathon event at last summer’s Olympic Games in Paris.
A year ago, Lokedi finished second to Hellen Obiri at the Boston Marathon. On Monday, Obiri finished second, 19 seconds behind Lokedi.
And it was a sweet victory for Lokedi.
“We kept running and I’m always like second to her,” Lokedi told Boston.com. “Today I was like no way, I have to just put it all out there and fight to the end and see how it goes. I’m so glad I ran that fast and she was right behind me.”
This story was originally published April 21, 2025 at 12:57 PM.
