Kirui romps to marathon gold in Berlin

From Tom Oldfield, Sportsbeat, in Berlin

 KENYA'S Abel Kirui left his rivals for dead as he grabbed the gold in the men's marathon.

The 27-year-old, who finished second in the Berlin Marathon in 2007, crossed the line in two hours, six minutes and 54 seconds – a new championships record.

 

And Kirui only narrowly failed to improve on his personal best of two hours, six minutes and 51 seconds as he powered through to the finish at the Brandenburg Gate.

 

Compatriot Emmanuel Mutai took home the silver in two hours, seven minutes and 48 seconds, while Ethiopian Tsegay Kebede completed the podium.

 

But Robert Cheruiyot, expected to lead the Kenyan charge, could only finish fourth.

 

“Berlin is my city and I love running here,” Kirui said.

 

“The spectators did a great job and gave me a lot of energy. It was so emotional and the race was very tactical.

 

“So many people were screaming for me and I couldn’t believe it as I crossed the line.

 

"My coach is a great man and we were praying together before the race. Even then I was confident that I could win.”