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Kelvin Kiptum obliterated a strong field to win the Valencia Marathon, clocking the second fastest time in the world over 42km.
Kiptum timed 2:01:53 to miss Eliud Kipchoge’s world marathon record by 44 seconds, edging out Tanzanian Gabriel Geay 2:03:00 as another Kenyan, Alexander Mutiso placed third in 2:03:29.
Kiptum came from behind to join the leading park at the 30km mark. He distanced himself at the 35km mark which saw him break compatriot’s Evans Chebet’s course record of 2:03:00.
Kiptum expressed his excitement towards his win saying it was unexpected but with his training, he was sure something good was going to happen.
“I can’t believe it. However, I was so prepared for the race and I thank God for the win,” Kiptum said.
Other Kenyans in the race included Ronald Korir (eighth- 2:05:37), Philemon Kiplimo (ninth place- 2:05:44), Bethwel Kipkemboi (18th-2:07:40), Jonathan Korir (21st- 2:08:34) and Geoffrey Kirui (24th- 2:09:57).
In the women’s field, Ethiopian duo of Shankule Beriso and Letesenbet Gidey settled for the first (2:14:58) and second (2:16:49) places respectively.
Kenya’s marathon debutant Sheila Chepkirui settled for third in 2:17:29. Chepkirui was in the leading park until the 30km mark where Gidey and Beriso distanced themselves.
Another Kenyan, Fancy Chemutai, settled for fifth in 2:18:11. BY THE STAR