Kenyan Runners Dominate New York City Marathon, Evans Chebet and Sharon Lokedi Clinch Victories
In an impressive display of talent and endurance, Kenyan runners Evans Chebet and Sharon Lokedi emerged victorious in the renowned New York City Marathon. This annual 26.2-mile race attracted over 50,000 runners and 12,000 volunteers, making it a true test of athleticism and determination.
On November 6, 2022, Kenyan runners dominated the competition, with Chebet securing the top spot in the men’s race and Lokedi stunning the crowd by winning the women’s race on her marathon debut. Lokedi’s win marked her as the eighth athlete in history to achieve such an extraordinary feat in New York.
The New York City Marathon, known for its thrilling course through the city’s five boroughs – Staten Island, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and Manhattan – drew in an incredible audience of over 2.5 million spectators. The race commenced on Staten Island and culminated in the stunning surroundings of Central Park.
This year’s victories add to the rich history of the marathon, which had its humble beginnings on September 13, 1970, with just 127 runners participating (of whom 55 crossed the finish line). The initial course involved four laps around Central Park, and the inaugural champion was Gary Muhrcke, who completed the race in an impressive time of 2:31:38. Notably, no female athlete finished the race that year.
In 1971, Beth Bonner made history as the first female winner of the marathon, crossing the finish line with a time of 2:55:22. The following year, the course underwent a significant change as it shifted from the confines of Central Park to the bustling streets of all five boroughs, accommodating more than 2,000 participants.
The year 2000 marked a milestone for the race as it included an official wheelchair division for the first time, fostering inclusivity and celebrating the prowess of athletes from diverse backgrounds. Additionally, in 2002, a groundbreaking change saw elite female runners commencing the race 35 minutes before their male counterparts and the rest of the runners. This alteration aimed to provide the lead women with unimpeded access to water stations and enhance media coverage of their remarkable achievements.
The Kenyan sweep in this year’s New York City Marathon solidifies their reputation as formidable competitors in long-distance running. Through their exceptional skill and tenacity, Chebet and Lokedi have left an indelible mark on the marathon’s prestigious legacy.
As the world eagerly awaits the next edition of the New York City Marathon, we can only anticipate even more breathtaking displays of athleticism and the triumph of the human spirit.
