Boston Marathon: Kipruto and Kipyogei land Kenyan double
- Published
Kenya's Benson Kipruto adds the Boston Marathon title to his triumph in Prague earlier this year
Benson Kipruto won the Boston Marathon on Monday to secure the biggest win of his career, while Diana Kipyogei completed a Kenyan double in the women's race.
Kipruto ran two hours, nine minutes and 51 seconds over the punishing up-and-down course in Massachusetts.
The 30-year-old dramatically increased his pace after reaching halfway in 1:06.22 as he ran his second 13.1 miles in 1:03.29.
Kipruto's winning time left him 46 seconds ahead of Ethiopia's Lemi Berhanu, with the runner-up's compatriot Jemal Yimer taking third in 2:10.38.
Kipyogei triumphed in the women's race in 2:24.45, ahead of fellow Kenyans Edna Kiplagat (2:25.09) and Mary Ngugi (2:25.20).
The 27-year-old, who won the Istanbul Marathon last year, moved to the front after 18 miles.
Kipruto, meanwhile, established a lead over the pack by the 23-mile marker in the men's race after long-time leader CJ Albertson faded and was caught by the pack around Heartbreak Hill.
He adds the Boston title to his win in the Prague Marathon earlier this year and his Toronto Marathon victory in 2018.
Benson Kipruto and Diana Kipyogei celebrate their landmark victories