Alexander Muñao won the 2024 London Marathon men's race, and Olympic champion Perez Rzepchirki won the women's race, setting a new world record.
Alexander Munyao won the 2024 London Marathon, edging out track and field great Kenenisa Bekele.
Ethiopia's Bekele was aiming for his first victory in London, nearly 20 years after winning Olympic gold in the 10,000 meters. But with three miles to go, the 27-year-old Munyao was able to shake off his rival and storm home in just two hours and four minutes.
BBC athletics commentator Steve Cram declared: “A great performance from Alexander Muñao and a great recovery from our great champion Kenenisa Bekele.”
Emil Careless ran a great race to finish third, with his British teammate Mahamed Mahamed fourth, ensuring both men qualified for the Olympics.
In the women's race, Olympic champion Perez Jepchirchir won and set a new women's world record.
The Kenyan was one of four runners cheering as he entered the final straight, but his rivals were simply unable to catch up as he turned down The Maul and kicked home. There wasn't. Jepchirchir won in 2 hours, 16 minutes and 16 seconds, beating the previous record set by Mary Jepkosgei Keitany in London in 2017 by 45 seconds.
Ethiopia's Tigst Assefa took second place, Joycilin Jepkosgel took third place and Megertu Alem took fourth place.
“Perez Jepchirchir is one of the greatest marathon runners we've ever seen,” Crum said. “She has never finished outside of the top three and this is a new world record for women only.
“I love watching Perez Jepchirchir race. She is a great champion. She has great respect for the marathon distance and for her competitors. The most important thing for her is to win, and she is a winner. She will start as a favorite in Paris.
Marcel Hug has won the London Marathon men's wheelchair race for a record fourth consecutive time. Switzerland's “Silver Bullet”, 38, clocked 1 hour 28 minutes 33 seconds.
In the 25th consecutive London Marathon, American Daniel Romanchuk came in second place, followed by Britain's David Weir in third place.
In the women's wheelchair race, fellow Swiss athlete Catherine DeBrunner won by a wide margin. The 29-year-old, who broke the course record to win the 2022 race, returned home more than five minutes ahead of her closest rival.
More than 53,000 runners are expected to complete the 44th edition of the London race, which will raise a record amount of money for charity, with organizers hoping to reach £70 million.
Among the runners was comedian Romesh Ranganathan, who raised money for CALM [Campaign Against Living Miserably]. He told BBC One that the organization was the one closest to his heart, having previously almost taken his own life.
“I've almost taken my own life in the past and it's something I feel strongly about, it's a mental health issue and CALM is a really great charity for raising awareness. , I'm going to match whatever donations I receive… to the limit. I don't want to lose my home!”
Actress Ruth Wilson has become a candidate for Alzheimer's Research UK. Her father has been suffering from this disease for two years.
“We don't have a cure in the UK, but treatments are very available. Any money or donations would be greatly appreciated,” she said.
Comedian Joel Dommett decided to run dressed as a fish to raise money for Shooting Star Hospice, “an amazing charity that provides incredible end-of-life care for children and bereaved families.” Selected.
His goal was simple. “To run faster as a fish than Romesh as a human.”
Men's Elite Results – Top 3
- Alexander Mutiso Munyao (Ken) – 2 hours 4 minutes 1 second
- Kenenisa Bekele (Ethereum) – 2 hours 4 minutes 15 seconds
- Emil Careless (UK) – 2 hours 6 minutes 46 seconds
Women's Elite Performance – Top 3
- Perez Jepchirchir (Ken) – 2 hours 16 minutes 16 seconds
- Tigst Assefa (Ethereum) – 2 hours 16 minutes 23 seconds
- Joycilin Jepkosgei (Ken) – 2 hours 16 minutes 24 seconds
