Ethiopian Sisay Lemma took victory for the first time in the London marathon on Sunday, while Kenyan Joyciline Jepkosgei made her debut in the women’s race.
Lemma, 30, who finished third in the 2020 edition, completed the route in 2 hours, 4 minutes and 1 second. He beat Kenyan Vincent Kipchuma by 27 seconds, while Mosinet Geremew was third.
Kenyan Joyciline Jepkosgei celebrates after winning the London Marathon on Sunday, Oct. 13, 2021. (AP Photo / Kirsty Wigglesworth)
Jepkosgei opted to race in London rather than defend his title in New York next month. The bet paid dividends when it prevailed with a time of 2 hours, 17 minutes and 43 seconds. Ethiopian Degitu Azimeraw came second, followed by compatriot Ashete Bekere.
It was the first fully run London marathon in more than two years due to the pandemic. Around 40,000 runners started at Blackheath, southeast London, to the finish in front of Buckingham Palace in the city center. (AFP)