Bekele’s advice key to Kitata’s LM victory
London Marathon winner Shura Kitata revealed that he had taken the advice of Kenenisa Bekele, who was r u n n e r - u p i n l a s t y e a r ’s event.
Kitata said: “I prepared very well for this race, kept my concentration.
"Kenenisa trained me and advised how I should run this race. I train ed for the same course.
"I am very happy to win the race.”
J o n ny M e l l o r wa s t h e first British man across the line in a time of 2:10:38, and compatriot Ben Connor also finished inside the Olympic qualifying time.
In the women’s race Brigid Kosgei defended her title, the 26-year-old world record holder comfortably winning her duel with fellow Kenyan Ruth Chepngetich.
Ko sge i b ro ke fo r h o m e with seven miles to go leaving Chepngetich, who had looked the stronger in the mid-stages of the race, far behind.
“T h e w e at h e r wa s n o t good so we struggled,” said Kosgei.
“I struggled up to the moment I finished.
“We have not prepared well due to the pandemic. I will be prepared for good results next year.”
Chepngetich, the world champion, eventually lost second place to fast-finishing American Sarah Hall.
T h e re wa s d i s ap p o i ntment for the two big British hopefuls, Lily Partridge and Steph Twell, who both pulled out well before the finish.
The British title instead went to Natasha Cockram, wh o f i n i s h e d out s i d e th e Olympic qualifying mark in 2:33.19, four seconds ahead of Naomi Mitchell.