The world record of 2:02:57 was set by Dennis Kimetto in 2014.
Advertisement
LONDON (AP) – Eliud Kipchoge defended his London Marathon title by running only eight seconds slower than the world record and setting a course record on a chilly morning.
“If I do run well here, I hope I will be selected and have a chance to go for the Olympic title”, said Tufa.
Kenya’s Eliud Kipchoge reacts after crossing the finish line to win the elite men’s race of the 2016 London Marathon in central London on April 24, 2016.
“I realized I ran a world record for 30 kilometers, then between 30 and 40 I lost about 20 seconds”, Kipchoge said.
It was more than a minute faster than the previous London record of 2:04:29 set two years ago by Wilson Kipsang, who finished fifth Sunday.
“It is always great to see the support and crowds along the streets of London, but it is all about myself and what I have done that gives me confidence, I will weather the storm”, said Keitany as she jetted out to London. The 31-year-old delivered a personal best time and the second-fastest in history to seal a spectacular triumph ahead of his countryman Stanley Biwott.
Kipchoge’s compatriot Jemima Sumgong ensured a Kenyan double by winning the women’s race despite banging her head in a heavy fall.
She took a tumble and hit her head approaching a drinks station near the end, but picked herself up to finish in 2:22.58 and leave 2015 victor Tigist Tufa in second, while Florence Kiplagat rounded off the podium.
In the women’s wheelchair race, Tatyana McFadden of the US claimed the coveted title for the fourth time in her career, winning in a time of one hour 44 minutes and 14 seconds.
“I have a good record in London and I think it’s here that I have developed as a marathon runner”.
Advertisement
Meanwhile, Switzerland’s Marcel Hug won the men’s wheelchair race in a time of one hour 35 minutes 19 seconds, with Britain’s Paralympic champion David Weir coming home in third.
