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Kelvin Kiptum crosses the finish line in Valencia after 42.195 kilometers and 2:01:53 hours
Photo:
IMAGO/BEAUTIFUL SPORTS/Flatemersch / IMAGO/Beautiful Sports
Kenyan Kelvin Kiptum came close to breaking the world record set by fellow countryman Eliud Kipchoge on his marathon debut in Valencia.
The 23-year-old runner surprised on Sunday with a time of 2:01:53, just 44 seconds behind Kipchoge's world record run in Berlin in September.
It is the third fastest time ever run over the 42.195 kilometers.
Second in the Spanish port city was Gabriel Geay of Tanzania in 2:03:00 ahead of Kenyan Alexaner Mutiso (2:03:29).
The German marathon record holder Amanal Petros canceled his announced start in Valencia at short notice.
The Ethiopian Amane Beriso Shankule also surprisingly won the women's race in 2:14:58 hours and is now third in the all-time best list.
Kiptum
and Gidey with fastest debuts
Exceptional runner Letesenbet Gidey from Ethiopia, world record holder in the half marathon and over 5,000 and 10,000 meters, had to settle for second place in 2:16:49 hours.
Gidey was on course for a world record for a long time with Beriso and ultimately ran the best women's debut in history.
Kenyan Sheila Chepkirui was third in 2:17:29 hours.
The 30-year-old Beriso ranked among the historically best athletes behind the world record holder Brigid Kosgei (2:14:04) and her Kenyan compatriot Ruth Chepngetich (2:14:18).
Beriso increased her best performance for more than six years by 5:50 minutes.
69 seconds to go: You can read about the historical development of marathon world records here.
ngo/dpa/sid