Bett leads a Kenyan podium sweep at the Athens Classic Marathon

Athens - Raymond Bett led a Kenyan podium sweep at the Athens Classic Marathon on Sunday, in the 2,500 historic anniversary run.

Bett ran away from his rivals in the final 10 kilometres to win the race over 42.195-kilometres from Marathon to Athens in 2 hours 12 minutes 40 seconds.

Favourite Jonathan Kipkorir had to settle for second in 2:14:05 and Edwin Kimutai completed the sweep in third place with 2:15:21.

More than 12,500 runners took part in the race under clear blue sunny skies.

This year's marathon coincides with the 2,500th anniversary of the battle of Marathon. According to legend, the distance was first run by Pheidippides in 490BC from Marathon to Athens to announce the Greek victory over Persia in the Battle of Marathon with the word "Nenikikamen" or "We have won." He then collapsed and died on the spot from exhaustion.

Unlike many of its more famous marathon counterparts such as Boston, New York or Berlin, the promotion and prize money for the 1.5 million-euros (2.1 million dollars) race has been limited due to Greece's national debt crisis. Times are also slower by comparison due to the hilly nature of course.

Aside from the marathon, races over five and 10km were also held, with Greek Prime Minister George Papandreou completing the 10km race.