Kenyan marathon runners showed their superiority ahead of the Olympics Sunday, with Wilson Kipsang and Mary Keitany coasting to victory in London to virtually assure themselves of selection for the Games. Kipsang, the second-fastest marathon runner ever, won the 42.2-kilometer race for the first time, more than two minutes ahead of fellow Kenyan Martin Lel. Kipsang had stormed ahead of the pack with around 10km to go in the British capital before winning in 2 hours, 4 minutes, 44 seconds. “I knew when I went away they have to work very, very hard to beat me as I was feeling very good in myself,” he said. “I am sorry I didn't (break) the record but winning is the most important thing for me. I feel a little tired now, but I am happy and tired.” In a sprint finish in front of Buckingham Palace on the Mall, Lel edged Tsegaye Kebede of Ethiopia for second place. World record-holder Patrick Makau dropped out less than half of the way through. It was an all-Kenyan podium in the women's race, with Keitany defending her title in 2:18:37 for an African record. Keitany said it was a “very tough” victory and that she already has her sights on success here at the Olympics on Aug. 5. Keitany pulled away from world champion Edna Kiplagat with around 5km to go before winning by 1 minute, 13 seconds. Priscah Jeptoo was third. Britain's David Weir won the men's wheelchair race for a record sixth time. Woman dies The organizers said one runner died after collapsing during the race. The 30-year-old woman, who was not identified, fell near the finish at Buckingham Palace in central London. Organizers said in a statement Sunday night that “although immediate medical attention was provided to the casualty, the fatality was confirmed this afternoon.” Barmasai wins Belgrade James Kiptum Barmasai won the 25th Belgrade Marathon Sunday as Kenyan runners swept the three podium places. Barmasai finished in 2 hours, 16 minutes, 1 second, more than six minutes ahead of countryman Henry Kemboi, who was second in 2:22:54. Fellow Kenyan Charles Kiprono Rotich was third in 2:23:12. Barmasai said he was only running the second marathon of his career and that “I did not expect such a convincing victory.”
