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Kenyan athlete Edwin Kiptu secured an emphatic victory in the Athens Marathon, not only displaying exceptional running prowess but also etching his name in the event's history by setting a new course record. Kiptu's extraordinary achievement unfolded over two hours, 10 minutes, and 34 seconds, a testament to his masterful navigation of the challenging course.
The victory saw him gradually distancing himself from a competitive field, primarily composed of fellow Kenyan athletes, further solidifying his status as a rising star in long-distance running. In a testament to Kiptu's dominance, he surged ahead during the last ten kilometers, leaving the trailing pack behind, and concluded the race in solitary triumph.
The echoes of his victory were reverberated by the cheers of the spectators lining the course, many of whom proudly waved Palestinian flags and unfolded banners declaring "Freedom to Palestine" in a poignant display of solidarity.
Ronzai Lokitam Kilimo, another Kenyan standout, secured the second position, clocking in at 2:12.36, while the Rwandan athlete Felicien Muhitira claimed the third spot with an identical time. The Kenyan dominance in the Athens Marathon has been a recurring theme, with Kiptu adding another chapter to their illustrious history, marking the 17th victory by Kenyan runners since 2001.
The previous course record, set in 2014 by Felix Kandie at 2:10.37, now stands surpassed by Kiptu's stellar performance. In the women's marathon category, Moroccan athlete Sukaina Atanane showcased her prowess, clinching the top spot with a remarkable time of two hours, 31 minutes, and 52 seconds.
Kenyan runner Karolina Jepchirchir secured the second position at 2:32.19, followed by Greek athlete Gloria Privilegio in third place with a time of 2:43.20. The surge in participation, totaling 20,322 runners, not only broke the previous 2019 record but also emphasized the enduring global allure of the Athens Marathon.
This remarkable turnout solidifies the event's premier status in the realm of long-distance running, showcasing its ability to captivate and draw athletes from around the world, contributing to the race's ongoing legacy as a pinnacle in the marathon calendar.