Sharon Lokedi & Under Armour Take On The 2023 NYC Marathon
After a decorated NCAA career in middle and long-distance running events, Sharon Lokedi took on legendary status last year. In her marathon debut, Lokedi won the 2022 New York City Marathon. Unfortunately for Lokedi, injuries followed her impressive debut.
After training under the direction of coach Stephen Haas with the Under Armour Mission Run Dark Sky Distance Team, Lokedi laced up her Flow Velociti Elite 2 running shoes and competed this past weekend. The 29-year-old finished in the top three with her first full marathon back post-injury. FanNation Kicks spoke with Lokedi about her experience, shoes, and partnership with Under Armour.
How was the New York City Marathon?
"It felt good. It felt good being back racing again and being in New York City. It was the second race and second New York City trip, and it was a blast. I am really happy with how I performed, and I think this is a good step going forward."
How are you enjoying the Flow Velociti Elite 2s?
"Oh, they're great. I've been able to do a couple of runs in them before the race, and I just like how responsive they are and the features that they hold. It's just it's it's just an amazing shoe. It's like you put it on, and you can just definitely tell the difference. When I was running, I was very confident with my shoes and the support that they gave me during the race. And how I'm just not even stressed or worried about anything else. And I felt good all the way to the end, and even now, apart from just the soreness of the race, I still feel fresh and good."
Without giving away too much, what is your favorite part of the shoe?
"I love the colorways. I love the foam. I think that's really nice and very soft, and how responsive they are with you. When you're running and your form and everything doesn't feel different from your everyday runs and workouts."
Sharon Lokedi after the 2023 New York City Marathon.
Under Armour
How has Under Armour been as a partner?
"They've been great. Honestly, it's it's like one of the best partners you can ask for. When I started running right out of college, I started with them, and I felt like every year, we've just been growing together. I feel like I get supported all around. I get to participate in creating the shoe, I get to participate in everything that builds the company, and it just feels good being included. So I'm really grateful to be a part of this family, the friendship we've created, how far we have come, and where we're still going. So really, really grateful to have such a team."
What is the UA Innovation Lab like?
"It was amazing. It's amazing to see just the little things that go into bringing a shoe out or just bringing something out to the world and just being a part of it and seeing what everyone on the team does. It just makes you very motivated and very excited and want to be better because then you know they are working so hard for you to be better. So then you can't let them down. And just visiting them and seeing what they have coming up. It is such an honor."
Last question: what is your favorite sneaker to wear when you're not working out?
"I like the Forge. I feel like those are very comfy and very, you know, lifestyle-y. You can wear them with anything. So it's like, I feel like we have so many. I like Phantoms, too. It doesn't look like a running shoe. It looks really nice. You know, you can wear them with a nice dress or something, then go out and have a nice time."
