Sharon Lokedi Captures Seventh Abbott World Marathon Major Podium in Chicago

10.11.2026

UA Athlete Continues to Build One of the Most Accomplished Careers in Marathon Running

Sharon Lokedi's résumé already places her among the most accomplished marathoners of her generation. On Sunday in Chicago, she added another chapter to that legacy.

With a second place finish at the 2026 Chicago Marathon, Lokedi secured the seventh Abbott World Marathon Major podium of her career and a new personal best, crossing the finish line in 2:14:07 against one of the deepest and most competitive fields assembled this season. The result further cements her position among the world's elite marathoners and continues a remarkable run of success across the sport's biggest stages.

Since bursting onto the global stage with her victory at the 2022 New York City Marathon, Lokedi has consistently delivered on marathon running's grandest stages. Her career now includes victories in New York City and Boston, along with seven podium finishes across the Abbott World Marathon Majors circuit. Together, those performances underscore a level of consistency few athletes in the sport can match and reflect a career defined by steady growth, resilience, and competitive excellence.

Sharon Lokedi Portrait Chicago Marathon 2026

“Part of what drew me to Chicago was the challenge”

“Every major marathon is unique, and Chicago presents a completely different test than the races I've raced before. Competing against the world's best athletes is what continues to motivate me, and I'm proud of the effort I was able to put together today. Every race offers an opportunity to learn and grow, and I'll carry those lessons forward as I continue pursuing my goals.”

Sharon Lokedi

The Chicago Marathon has long been recognized as one of the fastest and most competitive races in the world. Year after year, it attracts many of the sport's top athletes, producing memorable performances and some of the quickest marathon times in marathon history. Earning a place on the podium requires not only exceptional preparation, but also the confidence and composure to compete with the very best athletes in the sport.

For Lokedi, Chicago represents yet another example of her ability to perform across a variety of courses and competitive environments. New York rewards patience, tactical decision-making, and the ability to navigate one of the most energetic race atmospheres in the world. Boston demands strength, experience, and discipline across one of marathon running's most challenging courses. Chicago, meanwhile, is often defined by speed and a field packed with many of the world's fastest athletes.

Excelling in any one of those environments is difficult. Earning podium finishes across all three demonstrates a level of versatility and consistency reserved for the sport's elite.

Throughout that journey, Under Armour has remained a constant presence. Over nearly a decade with the brand, Lokedi has evolved from a promising young athlete into one of distance running's most respected competitors while helping shape the next generation of performance running footwear along the way.

For her podium performance in Chicago, Lokedi raced in an exclusive edition of the UA Velociti Elite 3, Under Armour's pinnacle racing silhouette developed in close collaboration with elite athletes. Designed to deliver lightweight efficiency, energy return, and confidence over 26.2 miles, the shoe represents years of athlete feedback and innovation aimed at helping runners perform at their highest level when the stakes are greatest.

Sharon Chicago Marathon 2026 in Velociti Elite 3

The Velociti footwear franchise is engineered to support runners across every level of their journey. From daily training miles to race-day performance, the collection is designed to deliver the speed, efficiency, and confidence runners need to pursue their goals. At the highest level of the sport, Lokedi's success continues to demonstrate what the franchise is capable of when tested on marathon running's biggest stages.

As one of Under Armour's most accomplished athletes, Lokedi has played an active role in the evolution of Velociti, providing insight throughout the development process to help refine fit, feel, and performance. That collaboration reflects Under Armour's athlete-first approach to innovation, ensuring products are informed by the realities of competition at the highest level.

“At this level, you pay attention to every detail because small things can make a big difference over 26.2 miles. What I value most is that Under Armour listens to athletes and continues to refine products based on our experiences. Having confidence in what I'm wearing and racing in allows me to focus completely on competing and performing my best. Seeing that feedback help shape products year after year has made the partnership especially meaningful, and it's exciting to race in gear that has been built with the needs of athletes at the center of the process.”

Sharon Lokedi

In a colorway designed specifically for Chicago, Lokedi paired the Velociti Elite footwear with Under Armour's Global Pro Runner Kit, anchored by the Women's Pro Runner Crop Top engineered with lightweight HeatGear® technology for maximum breathability, comfort, and distraction-free performance throughout the race.

Today's performance represents another meaningful moment for Under Armour's continued momentum in elite distance running. As the brand continues to invest in athlete-driven innovation and performance-focused product development, Lokedi's result serves as another example of how world-class athletes and product creators can work together in pursuit of excellence.

“Sharon has established herself as one of the most accomplished marathoners in the world through her consistency, determination, and willingness to embrace every challenge. To earn a seventh Abbott World Marathon Major podium against a field of this caliber is a remarkable accomplishment and a testament to the work she puts in every day. We're incredibly proud of Sharon and excited to continue supporting her journey.”

Kevin Plank

Under Armour Founder and CEO

The defining athletes in sport are not measured solely by victories, but by their ability to consistently rise to the moment when the competition is at its highest. Year after year, race after race, Sharon Lokedi continues to do exactly that.