Reigning Olympic champion Peres Jepchirchir of Kenya crushed the women’s-only world record in winning the 44th London Marathon on Sunday.

The 30-year-old pulled away over the final 300 metres in a sprint finish, crossing the finish line in front of Buckingham Palace in two hours, 16 minutes and 16 seconds to break Mary Keitany’s mark of 2:17:01 set in a women-only race at the 2017 London event.

Tigst Assefa of Ethiopia — who clocked 2:11.53 at the Berlin Marathon in September to set a world record for women in a race alongside male runners — crossed second in 2:16.23.

Joyciline Jepkosgei of Kenya, the 2021 London winner, was third in 2:16.24.

“I thought the race would be fast and that the record would go, but I was not expecting it to be me,” Jepchirchir said.

“It’s because I believe in myself. As I crossed the finish line, I thought about how grateful I am for this to be my last event representing Kenya before I head to Paris (Olympics).

“I now know I have a great chance to defend my title in Paris.”

Kenyan Alexander Mutiso Munyao raced to victory in the men’s race.

Munyao, 27, pumped his fist several times en route to the biggest victory of his career, pulling away from distance running great Kenenisa Bekele to cross in 2:04.01.

Reuters