London Marathon 2020 – Brigid Kosgei wins the women’s race! | Sport

Kosgei’s winning time was two hours, 18 minutes and 28 seconds. That’s about four minutes short of his world record time, set in Chicago last year, but given today’s lack of preparation for the big race and weather conditions, that’s not a real surprise.

With the finish line in sight, Chepngetich has nothing left in the tank, and he is flat-footed when Hall kicks again, away from the Kenyan on the finish straight! Hall finishes second, Chepngetich settles for third.

What a latest outburst is this from Sara Hall: the pain etched on her face, finally overtaking Bekere in the last mile and closing in on Chepngetich …

The Kenyan repeats her 2019 success, finishing more than two minutes ahead of the tired Chepngetich.

One lap to go! Kosgei is on the last lap. Chepngetich won’t catch her and is more concerned about staying away from Bekere and Hall behind her.

Brigid Kosgei has moved away from Chepngetich and now leads by a minute. In the battle for third place, American runner Sara Hall closes in on Ashere Bekere, the Ethiopian who won the Berlin marathon last year.

With five laps to go, Brigid Kosgei left his compatriot behind and took the lead alone. Further back, Naomi Mitchell has overtaken Natasha Cockram to become Britain’s leading runner on the road; she’s on her way to achieving her personal best. The times recorded today will also count towards qualification for next year’s Olympics in Tokyo.

The women’s race is already halfway there with last year’s winner Kenya Brigid Kosgei joined by Ruth Chepngetich in the front part.

A group of three hunters are in sight as they walk down the Mall, away from Buckingham Palace, while further back, several stragglers have already suffered the unusual indignity of being crushed in a marathon.

Hello and welcome to continued coverage of what will be a very different London Marathon. There are no amateur runners or spectators, instead elite athletes race laps around St James’s Park. Thousands of people across the country, and indeed around the world, compete in virtual races while the main event takes place.

The women’s race is already underway, having started at 7.15am BST. We will keep you informed about all the racing news from the capital; if you are participating or just watching, get in touch.