Gilbert Kirwa ran a track record as Kenya swept the men’s podium at the Frankfurt Marathon and also had a one-two finish in the women’s race.
Kirwa, 24, ran away from the 2008 winner Robert Kiprono Cheruiyot with four kilometres left to win in 2 hours 6 minutes 14 seconds, 1:07 minutes faster than Cheruiyot’s track record of 2:07:21 from last year.
Cheruiyot had 2:06:23 and William Kiplagat crossed the line in third place in 2:07:05 hours.
Kirwa won on his marathon debut earlier this year inVienna and received 95,000 euros (143,000 dollars) on Sunday as he maintained his 100 per cent record over the 42.195km. “Two wins in my first two marathon races, I am very happy,” said Kirwa.
The women’s race was won by Agnes Kiprop in 2:26:57 hours from Hellen Jemaiyo Kimutai (2:27:50) and Poland’s Karolina Jarzynska (2:29:10).
The 28th edition of the Frankfurt race featured 12,800 runners.
