Written by: Ayman Ragab
Kenyan President William Ruto congratulated his country's team on their exceptional performance in the Boston Marathon this evening.
In a statement, the Kenyan president expressed his praise for the team. Ladies For achieving a historic feat by occupying the top four positions.
Winning the top four places
He said: “We congratulate Sharon Lockedey on her successful title defense in collaboration with Louise Chemnong, Marie Ngũgĩ-Cooper and Mercy Tchilangat. You have achieved a remarkable feat by occupying the top four positions, an achievement that has raised our country’s name high.”.
He added: “We also congratulate John Courier on his resounding victory in a historic race, breaking the track record that had stood for 15 years. Well done, Benson Kipruto, on your outstanding performance and securing third place.”.
He said: “Your victories confirm Kenya’s global standing as a world sporting powerhouse, and your performance will inspire more athletes now and in the future.”.
Complete Kenyan control
John Korir broke the Boston Marathon record on Monday amid a complete Kenyan dominance.
Meanwhile, his compatriot Sharon Lockedey defended her title on a cold day with strong winds.
Courier won the men's race for the second year in a row, breaking the 15-year-old Boston Marathon record by finishing in 2 hours, 1 minute and 52 seconds.
The top three competitors broke the previous record.
Kenya emerged as the biggest winner in the world's oldest marathon, after winning the title. Title holder LockidY won the women's race title, recording a time of 2 hours, 18 minutes and 51 seconds.
Breaking a previous record
Courier ran solo for the last six miles, breaking the previous record, which was set by his compatriot Jeffrey Mutai in 2011 when he clocked two hours, three minutes and two seconds.
Lockede was being closely pursued by her fellow Kenyan, Louise Chimnong, who kept pace with her step by step, but Lockede settled the matter with a strong start in the final stages.
Kenyan runners occupied the top four positions, while American Jess McClain came in fifth with a time of 2 hours, 20 minutes and 49 seconds, the fastest time for an American runner in the history of the Boston Marathon, according to Reuters.
The race, which was held for the 130th time, had a cold start, with the temperature reaching (seven degrees Celsius), on a day in which light winds helped the competitors achieve outstanding times.
