Ekiru, Korir reign supreme in Abu Dhabi Marathon

Titus Ekiru has bounced back from his London Marathon disappointment with deserved victory in the Abu Dhabi Marathon on Friday morning.

The man mountain marathoner was almost a sure bet for the 41st edition of the London marathon held in October by virtue of having the fastest time this year out of the athletes who had lined up to dethrone Shura Kitata but dropped midway due to an injury.

Ekiru, the fifth fastest marathoner of all time reigned supreme in the otherwise humid streets of the United Arab Emirates capital, clocking an impressive two hours, six minutes and thirteen seconds.

The 29-year old who is the African Games Half Marathon champion made history in May when he defended the Milano Marathon in 2:02:57, the fifth best time.

Tanzanian Alfred Simbu spoiled a clean sweep for Kenyan in Abu dhabi as squeezed himself between Ekiru and Reuben Kiprop who was third.

Simbu clocked 2:07:50 while Kiprop timed 2:08:25 with Abel Kirui breathing behind his back in 2:08:46. Felix Kimutai came in a distant fifth after timing 2:10:48.

Judith Korir ensured that Kenyans ruled the 2021 edition after she claimed the ladies’ marathon. Korir was in a class of her own as she cut the tape in 2:22:30 ahead of Eunice Chumba of Bahrain who came in four minutes later.

The rift between Chumba and Immaculate Chemutai of Uganda who was also massive as she timed 2:28:30