Lel leaves Rop behind to take NY marathon

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.

Lel, the world half-marathon champion, clocked two hours, 10 minutes and 30 seconds and Okayo finished in 2:22:31 to shave one minute 50 seconds off the course best she set when winning two years ago.

Both picked up $100,000 (€86,200) each as winners of the 34th New York races, while Okayo looked forward to a $60,000 (€51,770) time bonus.

Second-placed Rop and Christopher Cheboiboch also made it a one-two-three for the country in the men’s event, while Kenyan former world record holder Catherine Ndereba claimed runner-up spot behind Okayo in the women’s.

Third-placed Lornah Kiplagat was born in Kenya, but changed her nationality to the Netherlands this year.