Kenyans dominate as Farah toils
london — Double Olympic champion Mo Farah toiled on his highly-anticipated marathon debut with the Briton trailing in eighth as Kenyans Wilson Kipsang and Edna Kiplagat secured London titles on Sunday.
Farah, the world and Olympic 5,000 and 10,000 metres champion, was given a “tough” baptism by the world’s best — finishing almost four minutes behind world record holder Kipsang on a sunny morning in the capital.
The 32-year old Kenyan claimed a second London title with a course record two hours four minutes 29 seconds, pulling clear of compatriot Stanley Biwott who was 26 seconds back with Ethiopian Tsegaye Kebede third.
“The pacemakers went too early for me so I had to push myself,” said Kipsang who also won in 2012, the same year he won Olympic bronze around the streets of London.
“At around 31k I decided to push harder as I felt very comfortable and strong. And then I pushed again towards the finish line and that was when I broke away.”
Farah, who was never in contention after dropping behind the leaders from the start, gritted his teeth to cross in 2:08:21, outside the British record that has stood since 1985.
“That was tough. I’m very disappointed,” said a chastened Farah.
“I didn’t really know what to expect. Training went well. The crowds were exciting and really helped me along.
“It was a little bit windy and I didn’t really have a plan. I’ll definitely be back.”
Edna Kiplagat won her first London title after finishing runner-up in the past two years, getting the better of compatriot Florence Kiplagat in the final 200 metres to win in two hours, 20 minutes and 21 seconds.
The winner outkicked her namesake who finished three seconds behind after the pair had dropped debutant Tirunesh Dibaba, stepping up from the track where she enjoyed a glittering career. —