Kenya’s Elisha Rotich smashes Kenenisa Bekele’s record to win Paris Marathon

Paris Marathon - Paris, France - October 17, 2021 Kenya’s Elisha Rotich celebrates after winning the elite men's race and setting a new record [Reuters, Gonzalo Fuentes]

Kenya’s Elisha Rotich has made history after smashing Kenenisa Bekele’s course record to win the 2021 Paris Marathon.

Rotich clocked 2:04:21 over the 42 kilometre course, more slashing more than a minute off the 2:05:04 record set by the veteran Ethiopian in 2014.

Ethiopian Hailelmaryam Kiros finished second in 2:04:42 with Hillary Kipsambu (Kenya) third in 2:04:45.

In another race, Kenyan runner Angela Tanui became the new Amsterdam Marathon women’s race champion after crossing the finish line first in 2:17:57, setting a Personal Best.

Compatriot Maureen Chepkemoi came in a distant second in 2:20:18, followed by Ethiopia’s Haven Hailu, who clocked 2:20:19.

NEW RECORD

????????‍?? Elisha Rotich ???????? remporte le Schneider Electric Marathon de Paris 2021 en 02:04:21

????????‍?? Elisha Rotich ???????? wins the Schneider Electric Marathon de Paris 2021 in 02:04:21#ParisMarathon pic.twitter.com/FwVwhBXy5r — Schneider Electric Marathon de Paris (@parismarathon) October 17, 2021

For the men’s race, Kenya could only manage second place after Bernard Koech outpaced Ethiopia’s Leul Gebresilase; the winner, Ethiopia’s Tamirat Tola.

In South Africa, Debutant Lydia Simiyu from Kenya has clinched victory at the 2021 Cape Town Marathon after crossing the line in 2:25:41.

Compatriot Lucy Karimi finished second in 2:25:53, 16 seconds before Ethiopian Aynalem Teferi (2:26:09).

18 Kenyan athletes featured in the 8th edition of the marathon on Sunday, October 17, after last year’s race was suspended due to the outbreak of Covid-19.