Daegu: Kenya retains men's marathon world cup

Written By:Vereso Mwanga,    Posted: Sun, Sep 04, 2011

Kirui in his finest form ever clocked a season's best time of 2 hours 07 minutes 38 seconds to clinch his 2nd successive world title Kenya retained the men's marathon World cup Sunday morning on the final day of this year's world athletics championships in Daegu South Korea. Abel Kirui defended his title to earn Kenya's 7thgold medal in the championships. 29-year old Kirui who set the Championship record of 2 hours 6 minutes 54 seconds in Berlin Germany two years ago led a strong Kenyan quintet of Vincent Kipruto, David Tumo, Eliud Kiptanui and Benjamin Kiptoo. Kirui in his finest form ever clocked a season's best time of 2 hours 07 minutes 38 seconds to clinch his 2nd successive world title. Vincent Kipruto on his part bagged the silver medal in 2 hours 10 minutes 06 seconds. Feyisa Lilesa of Ethiopia won the bronze in 2 hours 10 minutes 32 seconds. Kenya scooped the World Cup and prize money of 20,000 US dollars approximately 1.8 million shillings. The country's medal count is at 16 medals, 7 gold, 6 silver and 3 bronze going into the afternoon session in Daegu. Kenya's medal hunt continues with former world champion Eliud Kipchoge, Thomas Longosiwa and Isaiah Kiplangat competing in the men's 5000 meters. World and Olympic silver medalist Janeth Jepkosgei will be Kenya's lone flag bearer in the women's 800 meters race.