London Marathon 2020: Brigid Kosgei retains title

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By David Awopetu

World file holder, Brigid Kosgei, retained her London Marathon title with a commanding efficiency on a moist and closed course within the metropolis.

The 26-year-old Kenyan, who broke Paula Radcliffe’s world file in Chicago final yr, went away from world champion, Ruth Chepngetich, after mile 18.

She completed alone on The Mall in two hours 18 minutes and 58 seconds to claim the $30,000 (£23,200) prize.

It’s United States Of America’s Sara Hall, who zoomed past Chengétich on the home straight to take second place in 2:22:01 as the Kenyan, who was making her debut in London, settled third in 2:22:05.

Kosgei would miss the women’s only world record of 2:17:01 set by Mary Keitany in London in 2017 but the time is now ranked 15th all-time best.

Kosgei said the record wasn’t going to happen, what with conditions and race set up.

“The weather was not good so we struggled, I struggled up to the moment I finished,” said Kosgei.

“We have not prepared well due to the pandemic. I will be prepared for good results next year.”

The London Marathon, rescheduled from its traditional April date because of the coronavirus pandemic, is taking place for elite runners only over 19 laps around St James’s Park.

World record holder, Eliud Kipchoge, is the clear favourite to win the men’s race which started after the women’s event. The wheelchair races take place after the men’s race has finished.

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