Mary Keitany sets new record in London Marathon win


Kenya's Mary Keitany set a new world record to win the women's London Marathon.

Keitany broke Paula Radcliffe's 12-year women's only marathon record after posting two hours, 17 minutes and one second.

"I want to say it was a great day for me. It was really amazing," she told the BBC after her third win in London. 

Keitany crossed the line well clear having broken away from the pack after just five kilometres.

She also set a new course record as she beat Radcliffe's previous women's only record of two hours 17 minutes and 42 seconds, set at the London Marathon in 2005.

Radcliffe still holds the women's world record of 2:15.25, set at the London Marathon in 2003 when she ran against men and women.

Keitany beat Ethiopia's Tirunesh Dibaba, who finished second, after Dibaba began to struggle on the Embankment, even stopping at one point as she appeared to clutch her stomach. Ethiopia's Aselefech Mergia finished third.

Alyson Dixon was the first British runner across the line, finishing 14th, to seal her spot in GB's squad for the summer's World Championships as five-time Olympian Jo Pavey dropped out after 16 miles.

Dixon ran a personal best of 2:29:06 while Charlotte Purdue and Tracey Barlow are now also expected to qualify for the World Championships after finishing 15th and 16th respectively.

In the women's wheelchair race Switzerland's Manuela Schar took the title for the first time.

Like what you've read?

MOST READ

Sporting Life
Join for free!
Access to exclusive features all for FREE - No monthly subscription fee
Race Replays
My stable horse tracker
giftOffers and prize draws
newsExclusive content

Next Off

Fixtures & Results

Fetching latest games....
We are committed to Safer Gambling and have a number of self-help tools to help you manage your gambling. We also work with a number of independent charitable organisations who can offer help and answers any questions you may have.
Gamble Aware LogoGamble Helpline LogoGamstop LogoGordon Moody LogoSafer Gambling Standard LogoGamban Logo18+ LogoTake Time To Think Logo