Sifan Hassan Beats Kenya's Peres Jepchirchir In London Marathon

Sifan Hassan of the Netherlands caused an upset by beating Kenya's Peres Jepchirchir to win the 2023 London Marathon.

Jepchirchir finished third behind Hassan who won the marathon on her first attempt, having switched from track and field where she dominated the 5,000 and 10,000 km races, finishing at a time of 2:18:34.

Alemu Megertu of Ethiopia finished second at a time of 02:18:37 with Jepchirchir following with a time of 2:18:38

Jepchirchir had lost in the latter stages after being sidelined for months with an injury, despite taking control of the race in the earlier stages.

Kenya's Peres Jepchirchir competing in the 2023 London Marathon on April 23, 2023. /FACEBOOK

Hassan, who had fallen behind in the latter stages, pulled a stunning comeback to bag the coveted title in her debut marathon.

Race favourite Brigid Kosgei, also the reigning world record holder, was forced to pull out of the race shortly after the start due to a foot injury.

Kosgei set the current mark of 2:14:04 during the 2019 Chicago edition staged on Sunday, October 13, smashing Paula Radcliffe’s record that lasted for 16 years.

Others who participated in the race were defending champion Yalemzerf Yehualaw of Ethiopia, World Athletics Championships silver medalist Judith Korir, Genzebe Dibaba and Sheila Chepkurui.

The defeat is Kenya's first in a week after the country dominated the 2023 Boston Marathon on Monday, April 17, with 2022 Defending Champion Evans Chebet winning the race with a time of 2:05:54 ahead of Tanzanian Gabriel Geay (2:06:04) and Benson Kipruto (2:06:04) who finished second and third respectively.

Chebet's winning time was the third-fastest in the history of the race after Geoffrey Mutai (2:03:02) and Robert Cheruiyot (2:05:52). He finished ahead of Eliud Kipchoge, who finished in sixth in a major upset after the legendary marathoner was considered the favourite to win.

In the women's category, Kenya's Hellen Obiri won her first-ever major marathon in Boston, crossing the finish line in 2:21:38. With the victory, she became the only woman in history to win world titles in indoor and outdoor track, cross country, and marathon races.

She survived an intense battle against Ethiopian Beriso Amane and Lonah Salpeter (Israel) who finished second and third respectively.

Amane clocked 2:21:50, finishing seven seconds ahead of Salpeter (2:21:57).