Kipchumba sets new Chinese all-comers’ record at Shanghai Marathon

Philimon Kitoo Kipchumba was in a class of his own, running a full marathon in 2:05:35 to win the 2023 Shanghai Marathon held on Sunday 25.

The remarkable feat saw Kipchumba break the Chinese all-comers' record.

The 25-year-old chopped nearly two minutes off his personal best of 2:07:28, set when winning the 2022 Munich Marathon, beating the course record of 2:07:14 set by compatriot Paul Lonyangata eight years ago, and smashing the Chinese all-comers’ record of 2:06:19 set by Kenya’s Moses Mosop in Xiamen in 2015.

Kipchumba has had a fine form this season, remaining unbeaten in the Hong Kong and Xiamen marathons. This was the third marathon title of the year for the youngster.

Kales, Jepkosgei triumph at the inaugural Lake Ol’Bolossat Half Marathon

He was followed closely by Alphonse Felix Simbu who is a two-time top-eight finisher at the Olympic Games. Simbu trailed four seconds behind Kipchumba to take second place with a personal best of 2:05:39. Solomon Kirwa Yego sealed the top three after crossing the mark in 2:05:42.

In the women's category, Selly Chepyego who was the oldest among the entries proved that age is just a number by finishing second in 2:21:51. It was the 38-year-old's fourth fastest time of her career. Ethiopian Siranesh Yirga Dagne finished first in 2:21:28. Eunice Chebichii Chumba settled for third position after running under 2:22:20.

Reynold Cheruiyot's world record ratified

Women

1 Siranesh Yirga Dagne (ETH) 2:21:28

2 Selly Chepyego Kaptich (KEN) 2:21:51

3 Eunice Chebichii Chumba (KEN) 2:22:20

4 Sandra Felis Chebet Tuei (KEN) 2:22:22

5 Emily Chepkemoi Arusio (KEN) 2:23:40

6 Tadu Teshome Nare (ETH) 2:25:05

7 Chernet Misganaw Takele (ETH) 2:26:16

8 Jackline Sakilu (TAN) 2:26:50

Men

1 Philimon Kitoo Kipchumba (KEN) 2:05:35

2 Alphonce Felix Simbu (TAN) 2:05:39

3 Solomon Kirwa Yego (KEN) 2:05:42

4 Kenneth Keter (KEN) 2:05:53

5 Enoch Onchari (KEN) 2:07:47

6 Kinde Atanew Ayaler (ETH) 2:08:27

7 Debesay Desale Tekelemarian (ETH) 2:09:19

8 Nicholas Kirwa (KEN) 2:11:16