Kipchoge wins his third London Marathon as Cheruiyot gets her first title
Kenyans dominate the race in sweltering conditions with men’s and women’s victories; home favourite Mo Farah finishes third in record British time
Eliud Kipchoge swept to a third London Marathon victory and Vivian Cheruiyot won the event for the first time as Kenyans triumphed in sweltering conditions on Sunday.
The 33-year-old Kipchoge ran the 42.2-kilometre course in 2 hours, 4 minutes, 27 seconds to add to his wins in the British capital in 2015 and 2016.
Shura Kitata, Tola of Ethiopia, was second, followed by Mo Farah in front of his home fans.
While the race began in the southeast London district of Blackheath, the official starter for the men’s race was more than 48 kilometre to the west of the British capital. Queen Elizabeth pushed the start button in front of Windsor Castle.
The race ended in front of the monarch’s London residence – Buckingham Palace.
Farah told the BBC after the race that he felt “knackered”.
“I really enjoyed today,” he said. “It’s so different to being on the track, it’s different pain and different training but I’ve enjoyed it. You get heavy legs. Mentally you need to be strong and pace yourself.”
Cheruiyot, the Olympic 5,000-metre champion, crossed the line in 2:18:31 seconds to win at her second attempt. Fellow Kenyan, Brigid Kosgei, was 1 minute, 42 seconds further back and Tadelech Bekele, of Ethiopia, was third.
There was a home success with David Weir winning the men’s wheelchair race for an eighth time after a sprint finish.
The 38-year-old Weir clocked 1:31:15 to beat Marcel Hug of Switzerland into second place, while Daniel Romanchuk, of the United States, was third.
Madison de Rozario, of Australia, won the women’s wheelchair race for the first time ahead of four-time champion Tatyana McFadden, whose fellow American, Susannah Scaroni, was third.
