Lonyangata retains title as Saina wins her first major marathon gong

Lonyangata becomes the first man to win back-to-back titles since Steve Brace of Britain in 1989 and 1990.

Just like last year, Kenyans once again swept the 2018 Paris Marathon race yesterday winning both the men and women's events.

Paul Lonyangata successfully defended his men's title after finishing in 2:6.21, while Betsy Saina won her first major marathon title in 2:22:56.

The Kenyans won the marathon for the third consecutive time sweeping the men and women's races.

Lonyangata became the first man to win back-to-back titles since Steve Brace of Britain in 1989 and 1990.

Mathew Kisorio finished second in 2:06.36, while another Kenyan Ernest Ngeno came third in 2:06.41.

“I won last year and this year too. I think it is a wonderful time for me, I like Paris so much. It’s such a wonderful feat and I am in love with this Paris course” said Lonyangta.

In women’s encounter, just a few seconds after Lonyangata’s success, Saina, who was a last minute entry, broke the tape in 2:22:55 to take the title.

Following a notable track career, the 30-year-old was fifth in the 10,000m at the 2016 Olympics Games -decided to move up to the longer distances.

Two months after lowering her half marathon best to 1:09:17, her first attempt over the marathon distance was a master stroke.

Kenya's Leonida Mosop was in charge of the pace. She led a group of 12 who went through the 10-kilometre mark in 33:22, suggesting a possible finish of time 2:20:55 -under the course record set last year by Kenya’s Purity Rionoripo.

But then the rhythm of the lead pack slightly faded over the following kilometres. Fifteen kilometres was reached in 50:19 and the half marathon in 1:10:21.

At that point, nine women remained in contention, excluding the pacesetter Mosop. The lead pack reached the 25-kilometre mark in 1:23:59, with Yuka Takashima of Japan five seconds adrift.

Kenyan's Ruth Chepng’etich was second, four seconds adrift of Saina, as Ethiopian Chala Gulume settled third in 2:23:06 

In February, Saina, emerged victorious at the Muragame Half Marathon in Japan clocking a personal best of 1:09:17.

“We were a group with 12 kilometres to go but I hanged on there but starting to break,” said Saina.