Kenya's Martin Lel sets new course record in London marathon
Lel set a corse record but thousands were happy just to run the London marathon
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Sunday, 13, Apr 2008 02:49
Kenya's Martin Lel has set a course record for the London marathon after beating compatriot Samuel Wanjiru in a sprint finish.
Lel and Wanjiru were locked together as they entered The Mall but a devastating kick from the two-time winner of the race helped him ease clear of his opponent in a time of two hours five minutes and 15 seconds.
Abderrahim Goumri of Morocco came a close third as all three men ducked under the previous fastest time set in London by Khalid Khannounchi six years ago.
Conditions were wet in the capital but with little wind to trouble the runners they were able to set a quick pace.
Lel, Wanjiru and Goumri managed to break away from the elite group with four miles to go but as the finish line neared it became clear that Lel's sprint speed would give him the advantage over his rivals.
Dan Robinson was the first Briton home, finishing just behind defending Olympic champion Stefano Baldini in 12th place. Robinson set a personal best and is now likely to travel to Beijing.
In the women's race Germany's Irina Mikitenko was victorious in her first attempt at the London course, recording a time of two hours 24 minutes and 14 seconds.
Russia's Svetlana Zakharova was second while Ethiopia's Gete Wami claimed third. Mikitenko took the lead with five kilometres to go and stayed strong through to the finish.
Britain's Liz Yelling came ninth in the race, four minutes behind the winner, setting a personal best of two hours 28 minutes 33 seconds, which helped her qualify for the Olympic Games.