Sharon Lokedi Makes History Defending Her Crown in Boston

Sharon Lokedi cemented her place in marathon history at the 2026 Boston Marathon, successfully defending her title to claim consecutive victories at one of the world’s most prestigious road races. Navigating the relentless course with confidence and control, Lokedi surged clear of the field to cross the finish line in 2:18:51, reinforcing her status as one of the most dominant competitors in the sport.

“Boston always finds a way to test you. Coming back to this race as the defending champion made the experience even more meaningful."

"I trusted my preparation, leaned into everything I’ve learned about this course, and let the race come to me. Being able to defend my title here is incredibly special and something I’ll always be proud of.”

From the early miles in Hopkinton through the punishing downhill stretches and into the decisive climbs of Newton, Lokedi raced with poise and authority. Remaining composed throughout the early stages, she asserted control when it mattered most – surging past Heartbreak Hill and into the final kilometers with strength, mirroring the confidence that carried her to victory one year earlier.

“Repeating as a World Marathon Major Champion is rare. The difficulty of the course here in Boston makes it even more difficult,”

“Having raced here twice before, Sharon understands this course. She raced with confidence and patience, and when the moment came, she committed fully. Very few athletes can return as the defending champion and handle that pressure the way she does.”

Back‑to‑back victories in Boston place Lokedi in elite company and further solidify her reputation as one of the sport’s most consistent performers. Since her breakthrough win at the 2022 New York City Marathon, she has repeatedly delivered podium‑level performances on the world’s biggest stages, with Boston now standing as a defining cornerstone of her growing legacy.

For her historic title defense, Lokedi once again trusted the UA Velociti Elite 3 , racing in an exclusive colorway created in close collaboration with Under Armour’s product team. Designed to feel like a personal “superpower” on race day, the colorway was shaped by Lokedi. Of the designs presented, she gravitated immediately toward pink- something bold, confident, and unmistakably hers as she charged down Boylston Street. Engineered for speed, stability, and control across Boston’s demanding terrain, the Velociti Elite 3 helps to absorb the early downhill impact while maintaining responsiveness deep into the race.

“Being part of the process with the Under Armour team, from the feel and performance of the shoe to the final colorway, made this race feel truly personal,”

“Boston is such a demanding course and having something on my feet that I helped shape, that I genuinely love racing in, gave me an extra level of confidence out there. It was special to defend my title wearing something created for moments like this.”

Lokedi paired the Velociti Elite 3 with Under Armour’s Global Pro Runner Kit, anchored by the Women’s Pro Runner Crop Top engineered with ultra‑light HeatGear® fabric for maximum airflow and distraction‑free performance.

Lokedi’s repeat victory in Boston marks a defining moment not only in her career, but also for Under Armour’s continued momentum in elite distance running. Competing under intense pressure against the sport’s strongest fields, her performance underscores the brand’s commitment to innovation, credibility, and delivering when it matters most.

"Back to back wins in Boston speaks to a rare level of excellence. Watching Sharon conquer the race for a second straight year in the Velociti Elite 3 reinforces what’s possible when athlete insight and innovation come together."

"We’re so incredibly proud to be her partner and look forward to many more podium finishes in the future.”

With consecutive Boston victories now to her name, Sharon Lokedi is building a legacy. She proved once again that champions don’t just rise to the moment. They return and deliver.

Originally published by Under Armour.