Paris specialist Biwott wins marathon

PARIS, Apr 15 – Kenyan runner Stanley Biwott won the men’s Paris marathon here on Sunday in a record time of 2hrs 05 min 12 sec to add to his victory here in March’s half-marathon.

The 26-year-old bettered the previous best time for the Paris marathon of 2hr 05:47 set by compatriot Vincent Kipruto in the 2009 edition.

Biwott attacked at the 30km mark and came home more than a minute ahead of Ethiopian duo Raji Assefa and Sisay Jisa.

“I felt really good in the first half of the race,” said Biwott.

“I knew it was a really strong field, and it was only when I broke away I understood that I would win.”

Ethiopia had better luck in the women’s race as Tirfi Beyene came home to breast the tape in a new record time for the Paris renewal of 2hrs 21min 39sec.

Beyene came home ahead of Turkey’s Sultan Haydar (2hr 25:09.) and Ethiopia’s Makda Harun (2hr 26:46).

Beyene improved on the previous best of 2hr 22:02 set by compatriot Astede Bayisa in 2010.

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