Kenyan athlete Eliud Kipchoge stormed to victory in the London Marathon Sunday to become the first man to win the event four times and set a new course record in the process.
It’s the latest achievement for arguably the greatest marathon runner in history – his time of two hours, two minutes and 37 seconds is the second fastest marathon of all time.
The rest of the field simply couldn’t handle the pace as Kipchoge put his foot down at the halfway mark and then again with just over a mile left to run.
His time was slightly off his own world record pace of two hours, one minute and 39 seconds – which he set at the Berlin Marathon in 2018.
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The marathon man remained tight-lipped when asked about when his fans would see him run again.
“As usual, I do not chase two rabbits, I only chase one and that was London. I have caught that rabbit so I will discuss with my team what follows. The second option is still open,” he told BBC after the race.
“The crowd in London is wonderful and that spirit pushed me. From the first kilometre to the last, everybody is shouting. I’m happy to cross the line.”
Kosgei wins women’s race
Meanwhile, Brigid Kosgei was the clear winner of the women’s race after dominating the field with a phenomenal run.
It is the Kenyan’s first win in the London Marathon and she crossed the line over a minute ahead of second-placed defending champion Vivian Cheruiyot.
The 25-year-old’s time of two hours, 18 minutes and 20 seconds highlighted an impressive second-half of the race after a slow start to the women’s event.
Royal approval
Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, was on hand at the finish line to award the winners their medals and watch runners through the streets of London.
His attendance was not confirmed in advance with the birth of his child due any day.
“He [Prince Harry] had always planned to go but with the birth of his child due it was not announced in advance in case he was no longer able to attend. He is pleased he is able to attend,” said a Royal spokesperson.
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British Olympic legend Mo Farah finished fifth on a breezy day in England’s capital, as he continues his education of the longer distances.
His public feud with Ethiopian Olympic gold medalist Haile Gebrselassie did not appear to affect Farah who lapped up the applause from the home support that lined the streets.
He finished in a time of two hours, five minutes and 39 seconds.
Elsewhere, American Daniel Romanchuk won the men’s wheelchair race for the first time, beating the likes of eight-time champion David Weir.
Swiss athlete Manuela Schar won the women’s wheelchair event for the second time – after setting a course record in 2017.
