SUMGONG IS KENYAN FIRST
KENYAN WINS FIRST TITLE IN WARM CONDITIONS
MARATHON
LONDON MARATHON winner Jemima Sumgong became Kenya’s first gold medallist in the event.
While the female 10,000m finalists had perfect conditions, the marathoners had to cope with warm conditions, but the pace was also hot and the Kenyan’s time of 2:24:04 was only a minute slower than Tiki Gelana’s Olympic record.
Jemima Sumgong: fast last 2km to win
World champion Mare Dibaba headed a pack of 40 through 17:23 and the pace picked up at 10km with Visiline Jepkesho leading in 34:22, which is 2:25 tempo.
Jepkesho was also ahead at 20km in 69:07, but at halfway it was Volha Mazuronak of Belarus who pushed on ahead in 72:56 and only eight could stay in touch.