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="https://www.standardmedia.co.ke/sports/athletics/2001426460/women-athletes-dominate-at-amsterdam-marathon-as-kenyas-angela-tanui-wins"> Angela Tanui 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

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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 ="https://www.standardmedia.co.ke/sports/athletics/2001426434/kenyas-lydia-simiyu-wins-2021-cape-town-marathon">Lydia Simiyu 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.