Kirui claims silver as Uganda's Kiprotich bags gold

Abel Kirui wins Silver. [PHOTO:AP]

By Standard Digital Reporter

Kenya's Abel Kirui claimed the Olympics silver medal during the men's marathon where Stephen Kiprotich won Uganda the first gold medal in 40 years.

Wilson Kipsang finished third in 2:09:37, he was initially leading alongside Kirui who finished in 2:08:27 before Kiprotich took over the race claiming the first position in 2:08:01.

Kiprotich led at the 37km mark, despite appearing to suffer discomfort in his leg minutes earlier, and went on to win Uganda's first medal at London 2012.

Great Britain's Lee Merrien and Scott Overall finished well down the field.

Kipsang had taken up the running after Brazil's Franck de Almeida's early break and led at the halfway stage.

Kiprotich and Kirui caught him up to leave a three-way fight for the gold medal.

The Ugandan looked to be struggling with an injury to the back of his leg, but unexpectedly surged to the front and pulled away.

"It means a lot [to Uganda]," said Kiprotich. "Since 1972 we have never won a gold medal, so they are very happy."

Uganda's last Olympic champion was 400m hurdler John Akii-Bua, who won gold at Munich in 1972.

-Additional information from BBC