The New York City Marathon returned this year in full force. Canceled in 2020 because of the COVID-19 pandemic and scaled back in 2021 for the same reason, participants and spectators flooded the streets in excitement and anticipation for the annual event’s return. Reports say spirits were high and the energy was unmatched. People from all over the world came to celebrate the race and the people involved. Two, of course, stood out, as the victors, Evans Chebet and Sharon Lokedi, both from Kenya.

On the men’s side, Evans Chebet of Kenya, beat his second place opponent by 13 seconds, crossing the finish line in 2 hours, 8 minutes and 41 seconds. The runner who finished in that number two spot was Shura Kitata of Ethiopia. However, the runner who led the race for an entire 21 miles, leading his opponents by 2 minutes, Daniel Do Nascimento of Brazil, collapsed, before the course returned to Manhattan. It was unseasonably warm weather for the marathon, with temperatures in the mid-70s, the hottest race since 1986. It is unclear whether that contributed in any way to his abrupt finish, but it was also noted that he took a twenty seconds bathroom break a few miles before his collapse. Medical personnel treated Do Nascimento and updated his condition. They said he was recovering and doing alright. Chebet adds this win to his first place finish earlier this year at the Boston Marathon.

On the women’s side, 28-year-old Sharon Lokedi of Kenya finished in the number one spot. She not only came in first, but this was also her first-ever marathon. She finished in 2 hours, 23 minutes and 23 seconds, just around 50 seconds off of the course record. Her finish came seven seconds ahead of second place runner-up, Lonah Chemtai Salpeter of Israel.

Congratulations to Kenya’s Evans Chebet and Sharon Lokedi for their New York City Marathon sweep!

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