A double and an unprecedented Grand Slam as a bonus: Sharon Lokedi for women and Evans Chebet for men confirmed Kenya’s overwhelming dominance at the New York Marathon, whose male runners have won all six events on the circuit this year world.
Never has a nation scored a 6/6 since the competition was expanded to six races, with the addition of the Tokyo Marathon in 2013.
This is now done for men since Chebet added his name to the winners of the New York event, having already won on April 18 in Boston. Eliud Kipchoge won in Tokyo (March 6) and Berlin (September 25), Amos Kipruto had won the victory in London (2 October) e Benson Kipruto he did the same in Chicago (October 9).
“Boston was actually more difficult, but it was good preparation for the New York win.”Chebet, 33, who succeeds his compatriot, reacted soberly Alberto Corir.
He crossed the line in 2 hours 8 minutes and 41 seconds, ahead of the Ethiopian Shura Kitata, second at 13 seconds. Dutch Abdi Nageyesilver medal at the Tokyo Olympics last year, she finished third in nearly two minutes.
Lokedi first winner
Previously, in women, it is Sharon Lokedi which created the first stir of the day, as he won in 2 hours 23 minutes and 23 seconds, for his first distance race.
“I’m just speechless, words fail me. I just won!”, the 28-year-old racer was stunned. “I’m so happy to be here, it’s a great day, a great race. The course has been fantastic, the encouragement, everything, everything … I’m just grateful.”
The 28-year-old took the lead at the Central Park finish on the Israeli Lonah Chemtai Salpetersecond to seven seconds, the Ethiopian Gotytom Gebreslasereigning world champion, finishing third.
Lokedi succeeds his compatriot in the standings Peres Jepchirchirgold medal at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021.
