Kenya's Jemima Sumgong sets record in Brazilian road race

[PHOTO: COURTESY]

Kenya's Jemima Sumgong won another title in Brazil this year, setting a record for the St. Silvester road race following her gold in the marathon at the Rio de Janeiro Olympics, according to the Boston Herald.

Sumgong, who likewise won the 2016 London Marathon, timed 48 minutes, 35 seconds in the 15-kilometer (9.3-mile) New Year's Eve occasion, completing 40 seconds in front of fellow Kenyan, Flomena Cheyech Daniel. The past record was 48:48, set in 2011.

The men's race was more tightly, with three runners completing inside seven seconds of each other. Ethiopian Leul Aleme won with a time of 44:53. He was trailed by his comrade Dawit Admasu, with Kenya's Stephen Kosgei completing third.

Sumgong said she didn't run with the record in mind, noting that the heat and humidity made it an especially difficult race for her, according to a statement distributed by race organizers. With her medal in Rio and the St. Silvester record, Sumgong said Brazil was "in my heart."