Martin Lel left fellow Kenyan and defending champion Rodgers Rop in his wake to win the New York City men’s marathon crown yesterday, as compatriot Margaret Okayo took the women’s race in a course record time.

SONIA O’SULLIVAN’S fairytale of New York evaporated painfully on the mean marathon streets of the Big Apple yesterday as the Olympic 5000 metres silver medallist struggled across the finishing line in 12th position.

New York Marathon positions