Kenyans win London Marathon

LONDON – Kenyan marathon runners showed their superiority going into the Olympics, with Wilson Kipsang and Mary Keitany coasting to victory in London on Sunday to virtually assure themselves of selection for the games.

Kipsang, the second-fastest marathon runner ever, won the 26.2-mile race for the first time, more than two minutes ahead of fellow Kenyan Martin Lel.

Kipsang had stormed ahead of the pack with about 6 miles to go in the British capital before winning in 2 hours, 4 minutes, 44 seconds.

“I knew when I went away they have to work very, very hard to beat me as I was feeling very good in myself,” he said. “I am sorry I didn’t (break) the record but winning is the most important thing for me. I feel a little tired now, but I am happy and tired.”

He hopes the victory in London earned him a return ticket here for the Olympic race Aug. 12.

“I have done my part,” he said. “Now it’s up to the officials at Athletics Kenya to do their selections.”

In a sprint finish in front of Buckingham Palace on the Mall, Lel edged Tsegaye Kebede of Ethiopia for second place. World-record holder Patrick Makau dropped out less than half of the way through.

It was an all-Kenyan podium in the women’s race, with Keitany defending her title in 2:18:37 for an African record.