Kelvin Kiptum Sets New Course Record as Peres Jepchirchir Loses 2023 London Marathon

A photo collage of Kelvin Kiptum (left) and Peres Jepchirchir (front left) in action during the 2023 London Marathon.
A photo collage of Kelvin Kiptum (left) and Peres Jepchirchir (front left) in action during the 2023 London Marathon.
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TCS London Marathon

Kelvin Kiptum won the men's edition of the 2023 London Marathon, clocking a new course record of 2:01:25 on Sunday, April 23. 

Geoffrey Kamworor came a distant second, with Ethiopia's Tamirat Tola finishing third. 

Kiptum, who broke into the limelight during the 2022 Valencia Marathon, broke out within the latter stages to register the second-fastest time in the history of marathon.

Veteran Eliud Kipchoge set the fastest course and world record, clocking 2:01:09 in 2022 Berlin Marathon

Kelvin Kiptum crosses the finishing line during the Valencia Marathon held in Spain on December 4, 2022.
Kelvin Kiptum crosses the finishing line during the Valencia Marathon held in Spain on December 4, 2022.
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sportmedia.es

"Course record smashed. Congratulations, Kelvin Kiptum, on your decisive win in the 2023 London Marathon. Your incredible skill, mettle, unyielding resolve and dedication have convincingly paid off," President Ruto congratulated Kiptum on his historical fete. 

Britain's Mo Farah finished ninth in his last race, his last marathon. The Briton dominated the long-distance records in the past, setting the stage for fierce rivalry with Kenya's Eliud Kipchoge and Ethiopia's Kenenisa Bekele. 

In the 2023 London Marathon women's category, Kenya's Peres Jepchirchir settled for third as Dutch sensation Sifan Hassan emerged as the winner. 

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, crossed the tape at 2:18:33.

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 sprinted in the home stretch, breaking out to win the coveted title in her first attempt. 

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

Other athletes who participated in the race were defending champion Yalemzerf Yehualaw of Ethiopia, World Athletics Championships silver medalist Judith Korir, Genzebe Dibaba and Sheila Chepkurui.

Women’s marathon world record holder Brigid Kosgei celebrates winning the 2019 Chicago Marathon staged on Sunday, October 13.
Women’s marathon world record holder Brigid Kosgei celebrates winning the 2019 Chicago Marathon staged on Sunday, October 13.
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TCS London Marathon