Olympic champion Peres Jepchirchir clinched the women's London Marathon, setting a new world record on Sunday, April 21, 2024. On the men's side, Kenyan Alexander Mutiso celebrated his first marathon victory in a time of 2 hours, 4 minutes, and 1 second.
Jepchirchir finished with a time of 2 hours, 16 minutes, and 16 seconds, ahead of world record holder Tigst Assefa, and Joyciline Jepkosgei, who completed an exceptional podium gathering three of the four fastest women in history.
In the men's race, Kenyan Mutiso Munyao overcame Ethiopian legend Kenenisa Bekele to win in 2:04:01. Bekele, a triple Olympic gold medalist on the track, nearly clinched his first London street victory at 41. However, Munyao's strength in the final kilometers allowed Kenya to achieve a historic double in the British capital.
Munyao's performance was particularly noteworthy as he maintained a strong pace throughout the race, challenging his competitors and showcasing the depth of talent in Kenyan marathon running. His victory is a testament to his rigorous preparation and flawless race strategy.
The rivalry between Munyao and Bekele captivated spectators, adding dramatic flair to the event. The showdown between Bekele's proven experience and Munyao's youthful vigor was a highlight of the competition, perfectly illustrating the blend of old and new generations in top-level sport.
