The streets of London have a new king

Kenyan Kelvin Kiptum wins the London Marathon with a record in the race and second best mark in history. The Dutch Sifan Hassan surprised in her debut in the 42 km.

Kenyan Kiptum won the London Marathon with 2:01:25, the race record and second fastest time in history

This week has not been good for Eliud Kipchoge. After disappointing in the Boston Marathon, last Monday (17), when he was in sixth place, despite all the favoritism placed on his feet, the best marathoner in history, who started the London Marathon, this Sunday (23 ), saw his crown as king of the London streets pass to the head of his compatriot kelvin Kiptum.

At age 23, Kiptum won the race with 2:01:25. That’s the second best mark in the world, 16 seconds off Kipchoge’s world record, and therefore pulverized the best course time at 1:12, which belonged to the track and field legend. Kiptum’s performance on the streets of London has already raised speculation that he is ready to threaten Kipchoge in the near future.

Kiptum had already impressed on his marathon debut. Five months ago, he was the fastest rookie of all time when he clocked a 2:01:53 in Valencia, Spain. Now, in addition to the victory in London, he is the first runner to run the 42km of the British capital in less than 2h02, surpassing Kipchoge’s 2:02:37, in 2019, the last course record.

“I’m very happy to set the second fastest time in history”, said the champion after the race, who led the whole time. “My preparation was good and I was very happy to race in London. The fans gave me great motivation.”

Before Kiptum tired in the final kilometers of the race, Kipchoge’s world record of 2:01:09 was threatened.

“I thought I could run 2:03, even 2:02,” said Kiptum. “But I didn’t think I would be close to the world record. Even for the last few miles, I wasn’t thinking about it. Maybe next year.”

Two-time champion of the New York Marathon, fellow Kenyan Geoffrey Kamworor was in second place, with 2:04:23, his best mark. The third place was the Ethiopian Tamirat Tola, with 2:04:59.

Dutchwoman also impresses by winning in London

Dutch Sifan Hassan celebrates victory in London

Who also had an impeccable performance was the Dutch Sifan Hassan, which made its debut in the London competition. World champion in events from 1,500m to 10,000m, she won the London Marathon with a time of 2:18:33, her country’s record in the distance. Hassan, 30, is the owner of several world and Olympic titles in the 1,500m to 10,000m.

Hassan did a recovery test. While athletes like the Olympic champion Peres Jepchirchirfrom Kenya and last year’s London champion Yalemzerf Yehualaw, from Ethiopia, advanced in the lead, the Dutch woman had to stop to stretch, falling behind. Despite the discomfort, she managed to get to the front of the peloton with about 10km to go. In the final kilometer, with Yehualaw unable to stay in the peloton, Hassan continued to pressure the Ethiopian Alemu Megertu and Jepchirchir. The experience on the tracks made the Dutchwoman tighten the pace to win the race.

“I can’t believe I finished, much less that I won”, she said, in a state of shock after the result, since before the test she said she was scared of the marathon, not knowing if she was going to finish or not. “I can’t believe I finished a marathon. I put a lot of pressure on myself. I’m too stupid to play this kind of game. What was I thinking, running a marathon? I never cry, but this morning I was crying!”

The finish was so tight that the difference between the champion and third place, Jepchirchir, was five seconds. While Hassan closed in 2:18:33, Megertu, the runner-up, scored 2:18:37 and Jepchirchir, 2:18:38.

Link to the results of london marathon