Rotich wins Paris Marathon, breaks Bekele record in action packed Sunday

Kenya's Elisha Rotich clocked 2:04:18 to win the 2021 Paris men's Marathon held on Sunday 17 October ahead of Ethiopia's Hailemaryam Kiros and Hillary Kipsambu.

In bagging his biggest career win, the 31 year old, set a new course record, breaking Kenenisa Bekele's 2014 Paris Marathon course record of 2:05:04.

Kiros clocked 2:04.42 while Kipsambu settled for bronze in 2:04.45.

In the women's race, it was an Ethiopian clean sweep with Tigist Memuye clocking 2.26: 12 to win the race ahead of compatriots Yanenesh Dinkesa who clocked 2:26:15 for silver and Fantu Jimma 2:26:22 for bronze.

Meawhile, last-minute entrant to the race, Angela Tanui of Kenya ran a brutal 2:17:57 to win the 2021 Amsterdam Marathon, breaking the previous course record by 1 minute and 29 seconds. 

Compatriot Maureen Chepkemoi was second in 2:20.18 as Ethiopia's Hailu Haven finished third in 2:20.19. 

The tables were, however, turned in the men's race as Kenya lost the title for the first time since 2010 as Ethiopia's Tamirat Tola ran a 2:03.39 time for the win, breaking Lawrence Cherono's course record. 

Kenya's Bernard Koech settled for second place in 2:04:09 as Leul Gebresilase completed the podium places 2:04:12. 

In another race held today, debutant Lydia Simiyu from Kenya clinched victory at the 2021 Cape Town Marathon after crossing the line in 2:25:41.

Compatriot Lucy Karimi finished second in 2:25:53, 16 seconds before Ethiopian Aynalem Teferi who came third in 2:26:09.