Lokedi pushed me to victory, Obiri says after Boston Marathon heroics

Boston Marathon champion Hellen Obiri says compatriot Sharon Lokedi pushed her to victory in Monday’s marathon.

Speaking after winning the race in a time of 2:22:37, Obiri said she felt the pressure from Sharon during the entire race, something that made her work hard for the victory.

“She really pushed me throughout the race, every time I looked back, I saw her, and I had to press on and make sure I don’t lose focus,” she said, “she brought the best out of me because she is good at what she does and I am really happy to have defended the title.”

Obiri successfully defended her Boston Marathon title leading Kenyan compatriots Sharon Lokedi and Edna Kiplagat to a podium sweep and she says the victory was down to proper preparation.

“The victory has come as a result for proper training and the hard work I have put in to make sure I am at my best before the race, I hope to keep on being at my best throughout, ”added Obiri.

Obiri, like Lokedi, is in Team Kenya’s provisional team for the Paris Olympics and she says her next target is to be part of the final squad for the Summer Games.

“This victory is good preparation for the Olympics. We have a very strong team and I have to put in extra hard work to make sure that I am in the final team for the Olympics,” stated the former 10,000m world champion.