EMMANUEL WANYONYI BREAKS 1000M WORLD RECORD 🔥 | WANDA DIAMOND LEAGUE 2026

 

THE MAN FROM ANOTHER PLANET 🌍 | EMMANUEL WANYONYI BREAKS 1000M WORLD RECORD

 

🇰🇪’s Emmanuel Wanyonyi delivered a performance for the ages in Monaco, running a sensational 2:11.83* to set a new 1000m world record at the #DiamondLeague 🔥

The Kenyan lowered a mark that had stood for almost 27 years by just 0.13 seconds 😮‍💨

WR flash report 🔗 bit.ly/4aNZWh8

*Pending the usual ratification procedures

- World Athletics 

TWINS FROM KENYA WON TOGETHER IN ISTANBUL

Kenyan TWIN brothers Alex Matata and Charles Matata won the Istanbul Half Marathon 2026 together after running the whole race side by side 🇰🇪

They finished together at the same time, sharing the win 

Alex, the defending champion, won the race in 60:01, but his brother Charles was right there with him.

#Athletics #Kenya #IstanbulHalfMarathon #Running #Champions #dhktv #champions

NEW COURE RECORD! | JOHN KORIR WINS THE 130TH BOSTON MARATHON

 

KENYAN DAVID MUNYUA STUNS THE WORLD | PADDY POWER WORLD DARTS CHAMPIONSHIP

 

FAITH KIPYEGON NAMES THE REAL HEROES OF HER FAILED BREAKING4 ATTEMPT

Faith Kipyegon and her pacemaker during the Breaking4. Photo: Imago

Faith Kipyegon failed in her bid to make history when she did not manage to run a mile under four minutes but she has reserved special praise for certain individuals.

Multiple world and Olympics champion Faith Kipyegon has achieved virtually everything over the 1,500m distance but she has still been testing the limits

One of those was in June when she attempted to be the first woman to run a mile under four minutes in a race dubbed Breaking4.

Donning a special gear and shoes, Kipyegon was backed by 13 pacemakers at the Stade Sebastien Charlety in Paris on June 26, but she failed in her attempt, clocking 4:06.42 after a great run.

Looking back four months later, Kipyegon says she might not have managed to make history but what made it more special is the fact that she was backed by an elite group of pacemakers who comprise some of the world’s top middle-distance runners.

The pacemakers included 11 men, led by American Grant Fisher, the world record holder in the short track 3000m and 5000m, as well as distance specialists such as Cooper Teare (12:54 in 5000m), Craig Engels (3:51.60 mile), Australia’s Stewart McSweyn (3:48.37 mile), Dutch stars Niels Laros (3:29 in 3,000m) and Stefan Nillessen (3:29 in 1,500m), Irishman Cathal Doyle (3:53 mile), and Briton Elliot Giles (3:49.16 mile).

Faith Kipyegon Reserved Special Praise for Her Pacers

Faith Kipyegon salutes fans after her failed Breaking4 attempt. Photo: Imago

Kenya’s Wycliffe Kinyamal, the two-time Commonwealth 800m champion, Olympics bronze medalist and world 800m silver medalist Georgia Hunter Bell with Ugandan 800m specialist Halimah Nakaayi (PB 1:57) also part of the lineup.

“I was so grateful to the pacemakers…the best runners in the world for coming to help me to dare the dream of running under four minutes,” said Kipyegon of her pacemakers who she has termed the ‘best team ever.”

“That was truly special to have Niels Laros inside the race and Grant Fisher and the rest of the team. That was so incredible, you know. I was not expecting to have such high-class athletes pacing the Breaking4,” she added, regarding the race that was organized and backed by her sponsors Nike.

“For them to just come and help me out and the ladies Georgia Bell and Jemma Reekie that was really special. I felt so grateful to think that they came out to help me.”

Kipyegon may have missed the mark but she expressed a willingness to try out again in the near future although she followed that disappointment with a new world record in 1,500m, a fourth world title over the distance, before defending her Athlos crown to end the season in style.

- Joel Omotto 

RAILA ODINGA: THE SPORTS CHAMPION AND ENTHUSIAST

The Kenyan sports community has joined millions across the nation in mourning the death of former Prime Minister and ODM leader, Raila Amolo Odinga, who passed away on Wednesday while undergoing treatment in India.

Beyond politics, Odinga will be remembered for his enduring passion for football — a sport he loved, supported, and often credited his love of the sport for helping him develop a philosophical attitude towards the rough-and-tumble world of politics.

For decades, Raila was a familiar face in stadiums across the country. Whether cheering the Harambee Stars or watching his beloved Gor Mahia, where he was the patron for a long time, in the Mashemeji Derby against AFC Leopards, he embodied the spirit of Kenyan football.

As the patron of Gor Mahia, he was not just a ceremonial figure but a genuine benefactor. Weeks before his passing, he had pledged KSh 10 million to support the club’s 2025/2026 season operations, continuing a legacy that also saw him reward the team with KSh 1 million after advancing in the CAF Champions League last year.

As the patron of Gor Mahia, he was not just a ceremonial figure but a genuine benefactor. Weeks before his passing, he had pledged KSh 10 million to support the club’s 2025/2026 season operations, continuing a legacy that also saw him reward the team with KSh 1 million after advancing in the CAF Champions League last year.

“Our hearts are heavy as we mourn the loss of our beloved Patron, the Rt. Hon. Raila Odinga. He was a guiding light and a tremendous support to our club.

“We extend our deepest sympathies to his family and loved ones. May he rest in perfect peace," read Gor Mahia's statement.

Odinga’s support extended to the national team, the Harambee Stars. His love for the sport transcended politics and protocol — he attended matches, encouraged players, and personally motivated them with incentives.

In August 2025, after Kenya’s victory over Zambia in the CHAN2024 tournament, he promised each player KSh 500,000, a gesture that underscored his commitment to uplifting local talent.

Beyond the local scene, Raila’s football passion stretched to the English Premier League, where he was a devout Arsenal fan.

Having once supported Manchester United, he famously switched allegiances when Arsène Wenger joined Arsenal, citing the Frenchman’s philosophy and style of play as irresistible.

Raila actively played the game during his youthful days, turning out for Luo Union FC and later Bunge FC during his tenure as Member of Parliament for Lang’ata Constituency.

His influence in sports was immortalized through the Raila Odinga Stadium in Homa Bay — a 20,000-seat arena officially completed in May 2025.

The stadium stands as a testament to his vision for nurturing sports infrastructure and youth development in Kenya.

From his animated football metaphors on the campaign trail — where he cast himself as captain and striker — to his tangible contributions to clubs and players, Raila Odinga leaves behind a legacy that blends politics, passion, and patriotism.

FKF president Hussein Mohammed mourned the seasoned politician as the local football strongest supporter, adding that his name will forever be etched among its greatest fans.

"Having had the privilege to work under him, I can say he was not only a great leader and visionary, but also a good boss and a personal friend. Kenya has lost a true statesman and local football, one of its strongest supporters."

Kenya Rugby Union (KRU) hailed Raila’s contribution to the growth of the sport both on and off the field.

Notably, he has involved figurative football commentary during his political rallies.

In the commentary, he tags along his political allies as teammates, with him as the lead striker and captain.

The commentary would then climax with him beating “defenders” before scoring, much to the jubilation of his staunch supporters.

- Brian Ouma

CHICAGO MARATHON WINNERS KIPLIMO, FEYSA EARN $100K IN PRIZE MONEY

Elite runners target the Chicago Marathon for record attempts because of the often-favorable weather and the flat course.
ILLUSTRATION BY SPORTICO, PHOTO BY MICHAEL REAVES/GETTY IMAGES

In his second-ever marathon, Uganda’s Jacob Kiplimo won the men’s pro race at the 2025 Chicago Marathon, covering the 26.2 miles in 2:02:23. This was a personal best time by more than a minute for Kiplimo, who’s sponsored by Nike, and the seventh-fastest men’s marathon time ever.

It was also the second-fastest time ever run in Chicago behind the late Kelvin Kiptum, who won the 2023 Chicago Marathon in a world-record 2:00:35. 

Kenyan Amos Kipruto, sponsored by Adidas, finished in second in an unofficial 2:03:52, followed by countryman Alex Masai, a Nike athlete, in 2:04:37. American Conner Mantz, also sponsored by Nike, finished fourth in 2:04:43, breaking Khalid Khannouchi’s American men’s marathon record of 2:05:38.

“[Breaking the American men’s marathon record] was a great feeling,” Mantz said on the NBC5 Chicago broadcast after the race. “Those last few miles were really tough. Even with a few miles to go, I started doing the math about what pace I needed [to maintain to get the record]. Fortunately I got to work with Alex Masai those last 10 miles. … Unfortunately, I couldn’t beat him, but he got third place, first podium finish, big PR for him.”

Kiplimo will take home $100,000 for his win. Kipruto takes $75,000 for second place, and Masai earns $50,000. Mantz will get $30,000 for his fourth-place finish plus an additional $15,000 in prize money for being the top American finisher.

Ethiopia’s Hawi Feysa, sponsored by Adidas, won the women’s pro race at the 47th Chicago Marathon with a time of 2:14:56. Feysa ran side-by-side with Magdalena Shauri of Tanzania through the first 25 kilometers, but by the 30K mark, Feysa had opened up about a 10-second gap on the rest of the field. The Ethiopian continued to add to her lead, crossing the line two-plus minutes faster than countrywoman Megertu Alemu, who got second in 2:17:18. Shauri rounds out the women’s podium with a 2:18:03 finish.

“Winning here has been amazing. I worked really hard, I trained really hard to have this victory,” Feysa said after the race through a translator. “My coach has been extremely instrumental in this training block.He has given me really hard training that has helped me.”

Feysa earned $100,000 for her win, with $75,000 and $50,000 going to Alemu and Shauri, respectively, for their finishes.

Natosha Rogers was the top U.S. woman, finishing sixth overall in 2:23:28, a personal-best time. The 34-year-old Rogers was followed by fellow Americans Dakotah Popehn and Gabi Rooker in seventh and eighth. While they miss out on overall prize money, which only goes to the top five men’s and women’s finishers, the three women will take home $15,000, $12,000 and $10,000 for their finishes as the top Americans.

“Every ounce of everything you have goes into this to get to the start line, let alone the finish line, let alone finish as top American,” Rogers, who is sponsored by Puma, said post-race. “So much of it is mental, mind over matter.”

In the men’s wheelchair race, Switzerland’s Marcel Hug opened up a 93-second lead by the halfway mark and didn’t let up, breaking the tape in 1:23:20, four minutes and a full mile ahead of Great Britain’s David Weir in second. Hug’s time was less than a minute off of his Chicago Marathon course record of 1:22:37, set in 2023. 

“It was pretty tough, chasing for a course record,” Hug said after the race. “I was trying very hard, and I went all in. The last 10K, I was too tired.”

This was Hug’s fourth straight Chicago Marathon win and his sixth ever, making him the most decorated men’s wheelchair racer in Chicago Marathon history. “That was not in my mind, to be honest, but to beat this record is incredible,” he said. “It really means a lot to me.”

After leading for the duration of the race, American Susannah Scaroni won the women’s wheelchair race in 1:38:14, her second Chicago Marathon victory. Behind her, Switzerland’s Manuela Schär and American Tatyana McFadden crossed the line in 1:39:03 and 1:39:04 for second and third, respectively, in a sprint finish. 

Scaroni struggled in last year’s race with a flat tire at mile 3, so this year’s win provided redemption. “When I got to mile 3 today, I felt like, ‘We’re making it!’” Scaroni said post-race.

Hug and Scaroni will each receive $40,000 in prize money for their wins. Weir and Schär each earn $30,000 for second. Third through sixth places also take home prize money.

The total prize purse for the 2025 Chicago Marathon is $908,000, up from $890,000 in 2023 but down from $913,000 in 2024. This year, the winners of the Masters men’s and women’s divisions receive $2,000 each; in 2024, the second and third place masters runners took home a prize bonus as well, something not given this year. (The Chicago Marathon did not return an email request for comment on the reduction in prize money.)

Additionally, the top five runners receive points toward the Abbott World Marathon Majors elite series. At the end of the cycle, which ends with the New York City Marathon next month, the three runners with the most points will receive a prize bonus.

- BETTE CANTER

SAMMAN VOHRA FROM KENYA WINS THE RWANDA MOUNTAIN GORILLA 🦍 RALLY 2025

Kenya's Samman Vohra Singh, co-driven by Drew Sturrock, has won the Rwanda Mt Gorilla Rally, 2025 FIA African Rally Championship round 3.

Nikhil Sachania/Deep Patel and Tanzania's Prince Charles Nyerere/Rutabingwa Fernando finished 2nd and 3rd, respectively.

FAITH KIPYEGON NARROWLY MISSES SUB-4 MILE IN PARIS, BREAKS HER OWN RECORD

Faith Kipyegon missed out on the four-minute mile but broke her own world record as she starred in Breaking4 and Nike’s quest to help the celebrated athlete create history as the first woman to breach the mythical mark.

The event in Paris saw Kipyegon run the mile in an official time of 4:06.42, just over four laps of the track.

The event was inspired by Kipyegon’s compatriot, Eliud Kipchoge, who shattered the two hour barrier in the marathon  with a similar experiment, known as Ineos 1:59 Challenge, in Vienna in 2019.

The time will not be recognised as an official record because Kipyegon was assisted by a team of male and female pacemakers and wore technologically advanced kit and shoes at the Nike-sponsored ‘Breaking4’ event.

Kipyegon’s official women’s mile record of 4:07.64, set in July 2023, remains almost five seconds faster than any other female athlete in history has run for the distance.

“I have tried; that is why I was coming here to try to be the first woman to run under 4 minutes, but I have proven it’s possible. I will not lose hope; I will still go for it.” Faith Kipyegon said after the race.

World Athletics hailed the performance, posting: “Chasing history, creating legacy. Still the fastest mile run by a woman in history. Faith Kipyegon gives everything in her quest to break the 4-minute mile and stops the clock at 4:06.42. Thank you, Faith, for making us dream. Maybe not today, but soon.”

Faith Kipyegon now turns her attention to the upcoming World Championships in Tokyo this September, where she will look to further cement her legacy as one of the greatest middle-distance runners of all time.

- CALLEN OMAE

SHA'CARRI RICHARDSON SENDS SWEET MESSAGE TO FAITH KIPYEGON AS SHE CHASES HISTORY IN PARIS

Sha’Carri Richardson has penned a message of goodwill to Faith Kipyegon as the Kenyan legend seeks to become first woman to run a sub-four-minute mile.

"Faith Kipyegon is looking to make history in Paris on Thursday night when she attempts to run a mile under four minutes.

Kipyegon is the world record holder over the distance thanks to her time of 4:07.64, recorded in Monaco in July 2023, and she now needs to shave off 7.65 seconds to achieve her objectives.

Ahead of the race, set to be staged at Stade Charlety in Paris on Thursday night, Kipyegon has been receiving messages of goodwill and among those wishing her success is world 100m champion Sha’Carri Richardson.

“HAVE FAITH#Breaking4,” Richardson posted on X, wishing the three-time Olympics champion success.

 Who Else Has Achieved the ‘Impossible’?

Kipyegon is attempting to do what no woman has ever done, seeking to emulate Roger Bannister’s heroics of May 1954, when he ran a mile under four minutes (3:59.4) at a time it was seen as impossible.

The 31-year-old has been training and learning from Eliud Kipchoge, who also achieved his own milestone, having become the first man to run a marathon under two hours during the INEOS I:59 Challenge in October 2019.

Kipyegon’s feat is powered by her sponsors Nike, who have lined up 12 pace-setters to help her achieve her milestone.

Richardson is among Nike athletes who have been on the forefront of promoting the brand and will hope to see one of her stable-mates make history in Paris.

- Joel Omotto 

LOKEDI BREAKS BOSTON MARATHON COURSE RECORD, KORIR TAKES MEN'S RACE

Maddie Meyer//Getty Images

BOSTON — A rider dressed as Paul Revere eased his horse up to the Boston Marathon finish line and proclaimed, “The runners are coming.”

And down Boylston Street they came.

In record time. With a historic family first. And even “The Star-Spangled Banner” got some air time as the race and the region commemorated the 250th anniversary of the first shots fired in the American Revolution.

Sharon Lokedi of Kenya broke the Boston Marathon course record by more than 2 1/2 minutes on Monday, outkicking two-time defending champion Hellen Obiri a year after losing to her in one of the closest finishes in race history.

Fellow Kenyan John Korir recovered from a starting line fallto join his brother as a race champion — the first relatives to win the world’s oldest and most prestigious annual marathon in a history that dates to 1897.

On a day that also marked the 50th anniversary of Bob Hall’s pioneering wheelchair race, Marcel Hug of Switzerland claimed his eighth victory and Susannah Scaroni of the United States took the women’s title.

“I always feel emotional when the national anthem is played,” said Scaroni, who won in 2023 but couldn’t defend her title last year because of an injury. “And to have ours played on this amazing, historic anniversary gives me goosebumps.”

Lokedi finished in 2 hours, 17 minutes, 22 seconds to claim the $150,000 first prize and another $50,000 bonus for breaking the course record of 2:19:59 set by Buzunesh Deba in 2014. A year after sprinting to an 8 second victory, Obiri was 19 seconds back in her attempt to become the first woman to win three straight since Fatuma Roba in 1999.

“Where she passed me last year, I passed her this year,” Lokedi said with a laugh. “I didn’t even believe. I kept looking back and thinking, ‘Where is she?’ I’m just so grateful to her for pushing me all the way through.”

Six months after winning on Chicago’s flatter course, Korir finished in 2:04:45 — the second-fastest winning time in Boston history as the runners took advantage of perfect marathon weather to conquer the 26.2 miles from Hopkinton to Boston’s Copley Square.

And he did it despite getting tripped up from behind near the start and falling. He got up to rejoin the lead pack at the rear.

“What came to my mind was should I stay down, or should I (get) up and go?” he said. “Something told me to (get) up and go, and that everything will be OK. … And everything went away.”

Korir’s race bib fell off and he tucked it into his running tights, pulling it out as he sprinted to the finish line. Waiting to congratulate him: 2012 Boston winner Wesley Korir, his older brother.

Although the race has been won by a pair of unrelated John Kelleys and two different Robert Cheruiyots, the Korirs are the first brothers to have won.

“He explained to be tough and believe in yourself,” said John Korir, who finished fourth and ninth in his two previous Boston attempts. “So I believed in myself and I followed his advice.”

Conner Mantz of Provo, Utah, finished fourth after losing a three-way sprint to the finish with Alphonce Felix Simbu of Tanzania, who finished second, and Cybrian Kotut of Kenya, who was third.

Yalemzerf Yehualaw of Ethiopia was third in the women’s race. Jess McClain of Phoenix was the top American, in seventh place; 2018 winner Des Linden, who had announced she would retire from competitive running, won the masters division and was 17th overall.

When she crossed the finish line, the other American women bowed to her in tribute.

A field of 30,000 left Hopkinton on Monday morning for Boston’s Back Bay, where riders in Revolutionary War garb — accompanied by a fife and drum playing “Yankee Doodle” — rode down Boylston Street in a reenactment of Paul Revere’s ride.

The ceremony came to a temporary halt when the horse was spooked by the finish line decal on the street and pulled up. The actor portraying the colonial silversmith and patriot had to hop off and walk the last few steps himself as the small early crowd laughed and clapped.

- Jimmy Golen, Associated Press

KIPCHOGE SAYS THERE IS MORE AFYER LONDON

London ambition: Marathon great Eliud Kipchoge (Tobias SCHWARZ)

Eliud Kipchoge has dismissed speculation that the upcoming London Marathon will be his farewell race after confirming Friday he plans to run at the age of 40.

The Kenyan, arguably the greatest men's marathon runner of all time, is a two-time Olympic champion over the distance and has 11 wins in elite World Marathon Majors events, including a record four London titles.

Kipchoge, however, failed to finish a marathon for the first time at the Paris 2024 Olympics, sparking speculation his career may be nearing an end.

Asked Friday if the London Marathon on April 27 could be his last race, Kipchoge told a news conference: "No. I will speak more when I finish the marathon.

"Now I'm focusing on training, purely on fitness and my muscles to be ready for the start line in London.

"I don't like to mix some things. I learn to put all my mind on the road, put all my mind on making sure my muscles are lean and ready to combat the London streets. And the rest will come."

Pressed about retirement, he added: "When you convince me that the world has become a running world, I will retire. When you have four billion people running every day I will retire".

Kipchoge's four London triumphs came from 2015 to 2019 -- he missed the 2017 edition.

The field this year will also include 2024 Olympic marathon gold medallist Tamirat Tola of Ethiopia and Kenya's defending London Marathon champion Alexander Mutiso Munyao.

In 2019, Kipchoge became the first person to run a marathon inside two hours but the performance did not count as a world record as the Vienna event and set-up were not ratified by international athletics chiefs.

The official world record of 2 hours and 35 seconds was set in 2023 by fellow Kenyan Kelvin Kiptum, who died in a car crash last year.

- AFP

'BIG VIC' EXPRESSES GRATITUDE IN HEARTFELT MESSAGE AFTER NOSTALGIC CELTIC CELTIC PARK RETURN

Former Harambee Stars captain Victor Wanyama returned to Celtic Park, receiving a warm welcome and reuniting with fans and former teammates.

Former Celtic midfielder Victor Wanyama has expressed his heartfelt gratitude to Celtic fans and the club after a nostalgic visit to Celtic Park on Tuesday night.

The Kenyan powerhouse, who famously scored against Barcelona in Celtic's historic 2012 Champions League win, made a triumphant return to witness Celtic’s recent 3-1 victory over RB Leipzig in the Champions League.

The visit was a warm and emotional homecoming for Wanyama, who was visibly moved by the reception from fans.

Reflecting on his experience at halftime, he participated in the popular Paradise Windfall draw, delighting supporters with remarks about his time at the club.

Celtic Park, thank you for your warm welcome,” Wanyama tweeted on Thursday.

The night served not only as an evening of European football for Wanyama but also as a reunion with old teammates and friends.

Among them was Scott Brown, his former midfield partner at Celtic, and current Hoops standout Alistair Johnston, with whom he shared the pitch while playing at Montreal.

Wanyama’s return also highlighted the enduring bond he shares with Johnston, whom he advised before the Canadian's move to Celtic in December 2022.

Alistair Johnston, who joined Celtic shortly after Wanyama’s encouragement, has since become a celebrated player for the club, winning a treble within six months and making a strong impression on the Celtic faithful.

Big Vic, legend. What a guy. We’re still in contact. He keeps sending me texts congratulating me on winning trophies. That’s one of the funniest things he said. ‘Alistair, you’ve got to get in the gym so you can work on picking up the trophies.’ Fair enough, because he’s a big lad," Johnston said on Celtic TV.

 - Festus Chuma 

SABINA CHEBICHI | KENYAN 🇰🇪 ATHLETICS HISTORY

 

Meet Sabina Chebichi. Born on 13/5/1959 in Nairobi Kenya, she won her first marathon in 1973 while barefoot and wearing nothing but a petticoat. Sabina went on to become the first Kenyan 🇰🇪 female athlete to win a medal at the Commonwealth Games in 1974

#talykenya

KENYA'S WANYONYI SETS RECORD MILE WORLD RECORD IN HERZOGENAURACH

Reuters 

 Kenya's Emmanuel Wanyonyi on Saturday set a road mile world record at the Road to Records event in Herzogenaurach, Germany, finishing with a time of three minutes and 54.5 seconds.

The race was Wanyonyi's competitive debut in the men's mile category.

The 19-year-old broke the previous record of 3:56.13 set by American Hobbs Kessler in October. Kessler, who also ran on Saturday, finished second with a time of 3:56.1.

Wanyonyi, who specialises in 800 metres, won silver at last year's World Athletics Championships in Budapest, before winning gold at the 2023 Diamond League.

LONDON MARATHON: JEPCHIRCHIR AND MUNYAO SECURE KENYAN DOUBLE

Winners of the men's and women's races, Kenya's Alexander Mutiso Munyao and Peres Jepchirchir pose with the trophy at the presentations for the 2024 London Marathon in central London on April 21, 2024. JUSTIN TALLIS / AFP

 Olympic champion Peres Jepchirchir won the London marathon in a women's-only world record on Sunday, April 21, as Alexander Mutiso Munyao's victory in the men's race London marathon it a Kenyan double.

The race was preceded by 30 seconds of applause for Kelvin Kiptum, 2023 winner of the men's race, who was killed in a car accident in February. A poignant day ended with two more Kenyan victories with Jepchirchir in particular putting down a marker ahead of her defence of her title at the Paris Olympics.

The field for the women's race was considered one of the best ever assembled with three of the four fastest women in history competing. Jepchirchir, 30, came home in front of world record holder Tigst Assefa and Joyciline Jepkosgei to break the record mark without male pacemakers.

Jepchirchir's time of 2 hours 16 minutes 16 seconds smashed the women's-only course record of 2:17:01 set by compatriot Mary Keitany in 2017. Retired British star Paula Radcliffe ran a time of 2:15:25 in a mixed-sex marathon in London in 2003, using male pacemakers.

"I was not expecting to run a world record," said Jepchirchir. "I knew it might be beat but I did not expect it to be me. "I am so happy to qualify for the Olympics and I feel grateful. I'm happy to be at Paris and my pray(er) is to be there and run well to defend my title. I know it won't be easy but I'll try my best."

Munyao got the better of Ethiopian legend Kenenisa Bekele to take the men's race in 2:04:01. A three-time Olympic gold medallist on the track, Bekele was on course for his first win on the streets of London aged 41 but Munyao proved too strong in the closing kilometres to pull clear up London's famous landmark The Mall towards the finish line.

"At 40 kilometres I got some pressure from Bekele but I had a lot of confidence because I trained for this race," said Munyao. "After 40 kilometres I thought I had enough energy to win. That's why I kicked and I knew I would win."

The 27-year-old also paid tribute to Kiptum, whose sudden death sent shockwaves through the sport. "I think about him and let him rest in peace. He came here in London and he won."

Behind the front two it was a great day for the British duo of Emile Cairess and Mahamed Mahamed as they finished third and fourth respectively to close in on a place at the Paris Olympics.

A record number of people were running the 42-kilometer route through the British capital with over 50,000 participants taking part. Among them was new Manchester United co-owner Jim Ratcliffe, who faces a race against the clock to finish in time to see his side take on Coventry in the FA Cup semi-final at Wembley later on Sunday.

- Le Monde

KIPTUM AIMING TO BREAK TWO-HOUR BARRIER AT ROTTERDAM MARATHON IN 2024

USA TODAY Sports 

Kelvin Kiptum has enjoyed a remarkable 2023, breaking the men's marathon world record, and the Kenyan now wants to run the first sub-two-hour marathon in Rotterdam next April.

In October, running in just his third marathon, Kiptum took 34 seconds off the previous record in winning the Chicago Marathon in two hours and 35 seconds. He also won the London Marathon in April in 2:01:25, which at the time was the second-fastest time ever for a marathon.

When asked what was next in his sights, Kiptum told Gazzetta dello Sport: "It's already known, the Rotterdam Marathon on April 14.

ANGELLA OKUTOYI | KENYA'S FIRST GRAND SLAM WINNER | WIMBLEDON HISTORY | WIMBLEDON 2022