Kosgei breaks Half Marathon record in UK
Brigid Kosgei broke the World Half Marathon record after pulling off an astonishing 1:04:28 to win the Great North Run, leading a Kenyan sweep of the top four places in Tyneside, United Kingdom.
The London Marathon champion finished more than three minutes ahead of the second-placed Magdalyne Masai (1:07:36), with Linet Masai third and the three-times winner Mary Keitany fourth.
Britain’s Mo Farah clinched the men’s title, winning a record sixth successive time en route to setting a personal best time of 59:07.
The Olympic gold medallist raced ahead of Tamirat Tola in the final mile to leave the Ethiopian second in 59:13, while Netherland’s Abdi Nageeye was third in 59:55.
Farah, double Olympic champion at both 5,000 and 10,000 metres, said the race was an ideal preparation for October’s Chicago Marathon, with his sights set firmly on running at the Tokyo Olympics next year.
“The crowd was so loud I didn’t know if he was closing the gap so I kept looking behind,” the 36-year-old told BBC Sport.
“I’ve really enjoyed it but the past couple of years has been in the middle of marathon preparation. It was good to test myself. Things are looking good and I’m happy with the win.
“Tokyo is definitely on the cards – as an athlete you always want to represent your country. You just have to take it one year at a time. Hopefully, come Tokyo time, we will be in the mix.”
Want to send us a story? Submit on Wananchi Reporting on the Citizen Digital App or Send an email to wananchi@royalmedia.co.ke or Send an SMS to 25170 or WhatsApp on 0743570000
Comments
No comments yet.
Leave a Comment