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Alexander Mutiso ensured the London Marathon title remained in Kenya after outpacing Ethiopian veteran Kenenisa Bekele to retain the crown won by Kelvin Kiptum in 2023.
Alexander Mutiso ensured the London Marathon title remained in Kenya when he shook off Ethiopian veteran Kenenisa Bekele to claim victory on Sunday.
With the memories of Kelvin Kiptum still fresh, and the departed world record holder being honoured before the start of the race, Mutiso had only one job, to deliver the crown to Kenya.
Mutiso stayed with the leading pack before he broke away with Bekele hot on his heels.
Bekele then looked like he would clinch the win at the age of 41 but 27-year-old Mutiso summoned enough energy to storm away and win in 2:04:01.
The 2023 Prague Marathon winner never looked back to win the race in and ensure Kiptum’s title returned to Kenya.
Bekele finished an impressive second in 2:04:15 what is a major statement ahead of the Olympics.
It is an impressive outing for Mutiso who has now won his first major marathon, having been third in Valencia in 2022 and second at the same race in 2023.
His win will now put pressure on Athletics Kenya to have him included in Kenya’s marathon team to the Paris Olympics.
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