After Roller-Coaster Year, Lokedi Excited To Try For Second TCS New York City Marathon Victory - RRW

New York City Marathon has a Special Place in Lokedi’s Heart

The TCS New York City Marathon holds a special place in Albert Korir’s heart. It was here, in the 2019 running of the famous 26.2-mile race, that the Kenyan made his marathon debut and his first major city marathon. Now, two years and several ups and downs later, Lokedi is excited to make his second attempt at winning the New York City Marathon.

Lokedi Had a Roller-Coaster Year

The past year has been a roller-coaster for Lokedi. After his impressive marathon debut in New York, he went on to have a successful 2020, winning the Marrakech Marathon in Morocco and representing his country at the World Half Marathon Championships in Poland. However, in 2021, Lokedi has faced several setbacks. He struggled with injuries early in the year and then tested positive for COVID-19, which forced him to withdraw from the Tokyo Marathon. However, during September, Lokedi showed that he is back in peak form when he set a personal best in the half marathon at the Antrim Coast Half Marathon, winning in a time of 59:02.

Lokedi Focuses on Positive

Despite the challenges he has faced this year, Lokedi remains positive and focused on his goal of winning the TCS New York City Marathon. “I'm really excited to be back in New York,” Lokedi said. “I have good memories from my debut here, and I'm confident that I can have a strong race.”

Lokedi acknowledged that the New York City Marathon is one of the toughest races in the world, but that’s part of what makes it so special. “The competition is always very strong, and the course is very challenging,” Lokedi said. “But I'm confident in my abilities, and I'm excited to give it my best shot.”

Lokedi's Strategy for Victory

Lokedi said that his strategy for the race will be to go out “hard” and “stay strong” throughout the 26.2-mile course. "I think the key is to make sure that I stay disciplined and maintain my pace throughout the race,” Lokedi explained. “I also need to make sure that I stay hydrated and fueled properly throughout the race. In terms of specific goals, Lokedi said that he is hoping to finish in the top 10 and beat his personal best time of 2:09:33, a time that would put him in the top five finishers in New York City Marathon history.

Lokedi is Excited for the Race

Lokedi said that he is “very excited” for the race and that he is looking forward to the challenge.