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Video: Kenyan Runner Wins London Marathon, Nearly Breaking World Record

© AP Photo / Alberto PezzaliKenya's Kelvin Kiptum crosses the finish line to win the men's race at the London Marathon in London, Sunday, April 23, 2023.
Kenya's Kelvin Kiptum crosses the finish line to win the men's race at the London Marathon in London, Sunday, April 23, 2023. - Sputnik Africa, 1920, 24.04.2023
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Kenya's Kiptum burst onto the scene late last year when he achieved the fourth-fastest time in the world all-time list, running his debut marathon in Valencia, Spain in just over two hours.
Kelvin Kiptum, a runner from Kenya, finished the London Marathon men's race first on Sunday with a winning time of 2:01:25, the second quickest time in history.
The 23-year-old Kiptum took the lead in the 30th kilometer of the 42-kilometer course, eventually setting his personal record, which is only 16 seconds behind the world record set by his compatriot, Eliud Kipchoge, in Berlin last year with a time of 2:02:37.
After the marathon, the victorious athlete shared his impressions in an interview with the media, saying that he was proud of his performance.

"I am so happy with the result," Kiptum said. "I don’t know what to say right now, I am just grateful. The course felt good, there was a bit of rain around halfway but it was OK. I enjoy doing the marathons — it is good preparation for me. I loved it, I am very happy."

Another athlete from Kenya, Geoffrey Kamworor, finished second, almost three minutes behind the winner. Third place went to Ethiopia's reigning world champion Tamirat Tola.

In the women's marathon, Sifan Hassan, an Ethiopian-born Dutch athlete, completed a stunning comeback to win on her marathon debut after appearing to be injured part way through.

Hassan was ahead of Alema Megerta of Ethiopia, who finished second, and reigning Olympic champion Peres Jepchirchir of Kenya, who finished third.
The marathon returned to its traditional April slot after three years of being staged in October due to the COVID-19 pandemic. A record 48,000 people were reportedly expected to cross the finish line near Buckingham Palace from a field of 49,675 runners who registered for the race.
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