Kenyans reign supreme in London Marathon

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TWO 31-year-old Kenyans were the toast of the town after the London Marathon on Sunday April 24, with male victor Eliud Kipchoge recording the second fastest marathon time in men’s history, and a new record for this particular race 

The only person to surpass Kipchoge’s impressive 2:03:04 time in a marathon is fellow Kenyan Dennis Kimetto, who recorded a time of 2:02:57 in 2014 in Berlin, which is generally seen as a quicker race.

Female winner Jemima Sumgong’s accomplishment was no less impressive, with the sprightly sprinter recovering from a fall around the 22-mile mark to ultimately take the race in two hours, 22 minutes and 58 seconds. Sumgong was accidentally tripped by the Ethopian Aselefech Mergia and banged her head, but in the spirit of a true champion she got up, dusted herself off, and continued on her unwavering course towards the finish line.

The victory was long overdue for Sumgong, who was bested by the slightest of margins in the American trifecta of Boston, Chicago, and New York, ending up in second place each time. It seems she just needed a touch of English soil to bring out her best and push her over the edge to victory.

Meanwhile in the wheelchair race, the winner was Marcel Hug of Switzerland, while American Tatyana McFadden led the pack on the women’s side, while British athletes were well represented, with Alyson Dixon and Sonia Samuels managing to ensure themselves spots on team GB. Dixon finished in 13th with a time of 2:31:52 and Samuels ended up in 14th, crossing the line eight seconds after her fellow countrywoman. 

This 36th edition of the elite sporting event saw an estimated 39,698 competitors battling it out in this true testament to the value of hard work, athletic prowess, and iron-clad determination.  

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