Africa-Press – Kenya. One of the fiercest and most captivating friendly rivalries in marathon history lights up the streets of New York this Sunday as Hellen Obiri clashes with Sharon Lokedi and Eliud Kipchoge goes head-to-head with Kenenisa Bekele.
For Obiri and Lokedi, it’s a rivalry defined by respect, pride and the relentless pursuit of perfection.
The two Kenyan queens constantly push each other to new heights over the marathon; their friendly fire has become one of the sport’s most compelling storylines.
They know what it feels like to rule the Big Apple.
In 2023, Obiri, 35, produced a commanding run to seize the New York City Marathon crown in 2:27:23, edging Ethiopia’s Letesenbet Gidey (2:27:29) and Lokedi (2:27:33).
The following year, Obiri clocked 2:24:49 for second behind compatriot Sheila Chepkirui (2:24:35) and ahead of veteran Vivian Cheruiyot (2:25:21).
Lokedi, 31, stormed to victory in 2022, cutting the tape in 2:23:23, ahead of Israel’s Lonah Salpeter (2:23:30) and Ethiopia’s Gotytom Gebreslase (2:23:39).
Their duel continued earlier this year in Boston, where Lokedi unleashed a devastating late kick to upset Obiri, winning in 2:17:22 against Obiri’s 2:17:41, with Ethiopia’s Yalemzerf Yehualaw (2:18:06) rounding out the podium.
Lokedi described their rivalry as friendly and one that pushed her to stamp her authority in Boston.
“Whenever we race together, I am usually behind her. But this time, I told myself that would not be the case. I pushed myself and I am glad I did,” Lokedi said after the Boston triumph.
Lokedi heads to New York riding a wave of confidence and consistency.
She ruled the New York Half Marathon on March 16, clocking 1:07:04, followed by a fifth-place finish at the New York 10K (31:13) before bouncing back to win the Boston 10K (31:39).
Her most recent outing saw her finish second at the Copenhagen Half Marathon in 1:05:00, behind Ethiopia’s Likina Amebaw (1:04:44).
Obiri, meanwhile, has been in sizzling form on the road circuit.
After finishing runner-up in Boston, she placed fourth at the Great Manchester Run 10K (31:16) before storming back with a hat-trick of victories, winning the New York 10K (30:44), the Atlanta 10K (31:29), and the Dam tot Damloop in Amsterdam (50:51).And while the women’s race promises another Kenyan masterclass, the men’s field offers a duel for the ages, Kipchoge and Bekele, two legends whose rivalry stretches back to their track days and has defined an era of distance running.
At 40, Kipchoge makes his long-awaited New York debut, bringing with him one of the most illustrious resumes in marathon history, including five Berlin titles, four from London and the distinction of being the second fastest man in history.
Kipchoge has already declared his intent to push for glory in New York.
“My preparations have been good and I am really looking forward to being on the New York start line and finishing in a good way,” Kipchoge said.
He opened his season with a sixth-place finish at the London Marathon (2:05:25) before placing ninth (2:08:31) in Sydney.
Bekele, 43, returns to New York for only his second appearance after placing sixth in 2021 (2:12:52).
The Ethiopian great, a two-time Berlin champion and multiple Olympic gold medallist, remains one of the few athletes capable of matching Kipchoge’s greatness stride for stride.
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