Kenya’s Kipchoge retains London Marathon title

Kenya’s Eliud Kipchoge retained the men’s title of the London Marathon here on Sunday with a second fastest time in the event so far.

The 31-year-old Kipchoge, the men’s 5000 metre gold medallist at the Athens Olympics, clocked 2:03:04, seven seconds outside the world record of 2:02:57 set by his compatriot Dennis Kimetto in Berlin in 2014, reports Xinhua.

Kipchoge was in control throughout the race and needed to run 90 seconds for the last 600 meters to break the world record. The time he achieved was enough to beat the course record by one minute and 25 seconds.

“I am frustrated I missed the world record but I am happy to break the course record,” said Kipchoge after wining.

“It was a good course. The support was perfect - the crowd was fantastic and it was good to get a personal best.”

Kipchoge’s fellow Kenyan Stanley Biwott broke his personal best to finish second in 2:03:51 while Ethiopian legend Kenenisa Bekele finished third in 2:06:36.

The women’s title was also won by Kenya. Jemima Sumgong overcame a fall with six kilometres to go near a water station, winning in 2:22:58.

Defending champion Tigist Tufa of Ethiopia finished second in 2:23:03 while world half marathon record holder Florence Kiplagat came through for third in 2:23:39, her second podium finish in London in her fifth appearance.

“The Ethiopian runner clipped my leg and I went down,” Sumgong said. “I got up again as quickly as possible and got my pace back.

“The fall really affected me and I was unsure if I could continue. I have a cut on my head and on my shoulder, they are bleeding but I don’t feel any pain yet. I did feel it in my legs so I am so surprised I won.”