Streets ahead: Geoffrey Kirui gives Kenya gold in men’s marathon
Kenyan grabs a record fifth world title after winning by a country mile from second-placed Tamirat Tola of Ethiopia
Geoffrey Kirui gave Kenya a record fifth men’s marathon title at the world championships on Sunday, winning a seesaw race with Tamirat Tola of Ethiopia that finished on London’s famed Tower Bridge.
Kirui had to come from behind to pass Tola in the final quarter of the race. And once he got through the winding streets of London, Kirui found the way clear for a victorious run along the River Thames over the last miles.
Kirui won in 2 hours, 8 minutes, 27 seconds, creating such a gap over Tola that he had time to slap the outstretched hands of fans in the finishing straight before crossing the line. Tola weakened at the end and just held off bronze medallist Alphonce Simbu of Tanzania at the end.
Tola first shook off Kirui about three-quarters through the race but overestimated his strength. Slowly, the Kenyan came back and took over the lead by the 35-kilometer mark.
Kirui, who won the Boston Marathon in April, got his nation its first men’s marathon title since 2011.