Boston Marathon Winner Sharon Lokedi Shares How Under Armour's Velociti Elite 3 Helped Power Her Record Perfomance
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On one of the most demanding courses in professional distance running, Sharon Lokedi didn’t just win—she redefined what was possible. Clocking in at 2:17:22, the Under Armour athlete claimed first place at the 2025 Boston Marathon and shattered the previous course record.
But behind this historic moment wasn’t just months of training. It was also the culmination of a long-term partnership with Under Armour, the brand she’s been with since 2019. Racing in the UA Velociti Elite 3 for the third time—and wearing a full Under Armour Pro Race Kit—Lokedi’s record-breaking run doubled as a major milestone for both her journey and the brand’s growing presence in elite-level running.
Sole Retriever was fortunate enough to sit down and talk to Sharon and Doug Smiley, Global Product Director of Run Footwear & Run Apparel at Under Armour, about the race, Under Armour’s advancements in the elite running world, and more.
Lokedi’s Boston Race Strategy
Heading into Boston, Sharon Lokedi wasn’t thinking about breaking records. Her goal was simple: get in the race and stay competitive. “Just being in the top five or being top three would have been perfect,” she said. But as the miles wore on and she settled into a rhythm, Lokedi found herself not only holding her own but pulling away. With each step, the possibility of a course record grew more real.
What made this performance even more impressive was how calm and composed she stayed throughout—Lokedi credits that to a refined mental approach, built over months of training and preparation. “Every time I went for a run, even when I was relaxing, I’d remind myself to be patient, build confidence, and focus on what I could control,” she explained. Unlike past marathon buildups, she added a tune-up race—the New York Half Marathon—to help sharpen her race-day instincts this time.
The final miles weren’t easy—her legs were tired, and her body was fading—but Lokedi never wavered. “I just had to push, push, push and not give up,” she said. That mental resolve, smart pacing, and hard-earned confidence made all the difference on one of the sport’s biggest stages.
The Role of the Under Armour Velociti Elite 3
For the third time in competition, Sharon Lokedi laced up the UA Velociti Elite 3, and once again, the shoe delivered. As the Boston course began to take its toll in the later miles, Lokedi relied on the shoe for comfort and propulsion. “I was getting so tired, but I was so glad I still had that push and energy back to get me to the finish line,” she said. “It felt controlled early on, and when I started picking up the pace, I was still getting the energy return.”
Built to handle the demands of the marathon’s most grueling moments, the Velociti Elite 3 results from years of athlete input and iteration. Lokedi described the shoe’s ride as smooth, natural, and flowy, highlighting how it helped her stay relaxed and focused throughout the race. She also emphasized the small details that make a big difference on race day: “The upper feels so good, the laces stay in place, and I don’t have to worry about anything—just run.”
Doug Smiley, Under Armour’s Director of Performance Run Footwear, revealed that the shoe went through five different iterations before Lokedi wore the final version in competition. “We wanted to increase the energy return while lightening the system overall,” he explained. “We went from 8.3 ounces in the previous version to 7.7 ounces now, and made adjustments based on Sharon’s feedback to make sure she still felt that bounce and liveliness late in the race.”
Lokedi’s Role with Under Armour
Sharon Lokedi isn’t just the face of Under Armour’s performance run division—she’s deeply involved in shaping it. Since signing with the brand in 2019, Lokedi has played an active role in product feedback, working closely with the footwear and apparel teams to refine every element she wears. That hands-on partnership, she says, makes a huge difference. “It gives you confidence knowing your feedback is being used to help build something,” she said. “You feel supported by a team that wants to give you everything you need to be your best.”
That feedback loop was critical in the evolution of the Velociti Elite line. Lokedi regularly debriefs with Under Armour after races, offering detailed thoughts on what worked and what could improve. “After a race, I think about what went well and what didn’t, and I share that with Doug and the team,” she explained. “They take that and go figure it out.”
Doug Smiley confirmed just how central Lokedi has been to the process. “She’s not just wearing the shoe at the end—she’s integral to the development,” he said. “From our earliest insight sessions back in 2019, her feedback has helped shape how we think about energy return, comfort, and durability.”
The Velociti Elite 3 results from five prototypes, culminating in Lokedi's version in Boston. Her input—like asking for a slightly softer underfoot feel and a more natural ride—led to critical design changes, including a lighter build and improved rebound throughout the race.
Under Armour’s Vision for Running
As the brand continues to invest in elite competition, the lessons learned from athletes like Lokedi are shaping a new generation of footwear for all runners.
Doug Smiley described it: “The athlete is the answer.” For Under Armour, staying close to its athletes isn’t just a branding move—it’s the foundation of its innovation pipeline. “Everything we do starts with performance at the highest level. If we’re creating great products that deliver for elite athletes, we can then build around that for everyone else.”
That philosophy is already influencing what comes next. While the Velociti Elite 3 is set to launch for consumers in Fall 2025, its core innovations—like enhanced energy return, reduced weight, and improved underfoot feel—are being integrated across a wider range of models. “We’re not just building one super shoe,” Smiley said. “There’s an entire Velociti collection coming that includes speed-day shoes, race-day shoes, and everyday trainers.”
Under Armor sees a major growth opportunity with marathon participation booming globally, especially among Gen Z runners. But the brand isn’t rushing into trends—it’s doubling down on credibility, testing, and long-term athlete relationships. “The goal is to create world-class product for world-class athletes—and then make sure those same solutions elevate the everyday runner, too,” Smiley said.
As the road to the LA Olympics and other major races heats up, Under Armour’s message is clear: it’s not just here to compete but to lead. Download the Sole Retriever mobile app to stay updated on the latest releases, raffles, news, and more in the sneaker and streetwear world.
Sneakerhead from South Florida who turned his passion into a career. When not writing for Sole Retriever, I enjoy attending concerts and catching the latest movies. Email: nick@soleretriever.com
