Kibet, who took home the top prize of US$35,000, also shaved more than a minute off the previous course record of 2:14:22, set by last year's winner Elijah Mbogo. -- PHOTO: REUTERS
REIGNING world champion Luke Kibet lived up to his top billing at the Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon today, winning the men's event in record-breaking time.
The 25-year-old Kenyan came in at 2hr 13min 1sec, a full two minutes ahead of his nearest rival, compatriot Johnstone Chepkwony (2:15:12). Two-time winner Amos Matui finished in third with a time of 2:15:15.
Kibet, who took home the top prize of US$35,000, also shaved more than a minute off the previous course record of 2:14:22, set by last year's winner Elijah Mbogo.
In the women's event, another Kenyan, Edith Masai stormed to victory in 2:34:15.
Russia's Silvia Skvortsova (2:37:10) took the runner-up spot, while Kenya's Rose Chesire was third in 2:42:39.
This year's Singapore Marathon, which is now into its seventh year, smashed participation records again, with an estimated 50,000 runners taking to the streets this morning in various race distances.
An all-time high of 15,000 runners took part in the gruelling 42km marathon event.
