Obiri, Lokedi set to clash in New York Mini 10K

Boston Marathon women’s champion Hellen Obiri and compatriot New York City Marathon title holder Sharon Lokedi will renew rivalry at this year’s New York Mini 10k set for 10 June.

Organisers released a deep field for what will be the 51st edition of the historic women’s race where the two Kenyans will face stiff competition from defending champion Sebbere Teferi.

Teferi, a two-time Olympian who won the 2022 United Airlines NYC Half in an event-record time and returned to Central Park three months later to win her first Mastercard® New York Mini 10K. She is also a two-time World Championships silver medalist and the 5K world-record holder for a women-only race.

The three women will have American Keira D'Amato, former world champion and multiple time Boston Marathon champion Edna Kiplagat and American marathon record holder Emily Sisson for competition.

Obiri, heads to the race with the fastest 10K personal best in the field (30:15) and organisers are hoping that the deep field will be a catalyst for a challenge on the record of 30:29 set by Asmae Leghzaoui in 2002.

The 2022 New York City Marathon champion, Lokedi, will attempt to improve on her second-place finish at the Mini last year.

“The last time I was in New York, my entire life changed when I won the TCS New York City Marathon,” Lokedi said. “This iconic city will now always hold a special place in my heart and I am eager to keep improving and show that I am on top of the podium to stay.”

Last chance saloon for Obiri in Olympics gold medal hunt

Meanwhile, Obiri who has not lost any of her races this year says she is looking forward to her debut at the Mini event.

“There is no greater feeling than having my daughter watch me win races, and having her with me when I won the United Airlines NYC Half and Boston Marathon this year was truly special,” Obiri told organisers.

“Now, I am looking forward to lining up for the women-only Mastercard Mini 10K for the first time, and having so many girls from the next generation watch me race, just like my daughter does,” she added.

The defending champion, Teferi says that winning the 50th edition of the event last year was very emotional for her. “I was proud to lead thousands of women in celebration,” Teferi said. “I am excited to return to Central Park again, which has been so kind to me in recent visits.”

Founded in 1972, and named after a symbol of women’s liberation, the miniskirt, this 10K race empowers women of all ages and fitness levels to come together, be active, and accomplish a running milestone alongside other inspiring runners. The 2023 edition will be the largest in the race’s history with over 9,000 women set to run through Central Park.