Kelvin Kiptum wins men’s London Marathon, Smashes Kipchoge’s Course Record

Kenya’s Kelvin Kiptum has won the men’s edition of the 2023 London Marathon, clocking a new course record of 2:01:26 and the second-fastest time in athletics history.

Kenya’s Geoffrey Kamworor came a distant second behind Ethiopia’s Tamirat Tola.

Kiptum, who broke into the limelight during the 2022 Valencia Marathon, was too strong for his opponents.

He stepped on the gas to register the second fastest time in the history of marathon running behind Kipchoge’s world record of 2:01:09.

In the women’s category, Kenyan athlete, Peres Jepchirchir, settled for third position behind Dutch sensation Sifan Hassan.

This was Hassan’s marathon debut, after switching from track and field, where she dominated the 5,000 and 10,000 km races.

Hassan, who switched her allegiance from Ethiopia to the Netherlands, reached the tape at 2:18:32.

Jepchirchir clocked 2:18.38 to finish behind Ethiopia’s Alemu Megertu, who crossed the finishing line in 2:18.37.

The one-time Olympic champion took command of the race at the earlier stages, running shoulder-to-shoulder with her main opponents.

However, Hassan turned on the screw at the homestretch to bag the coveted title in her first attempt.

Race favourite Brigid Kosgei, also the reigning world record holder Brigid was forced to pull out of the race shortly after the start due to a foot injury.