Jepchirchir breaks the women's-only world record in winning London Marathon

Peres Jepchirchir, the reigning Olympic champion, broke the women's-only world record to win the 44th London Marathon on Sunday, while Kenyan compatriot Alexander Mutiso Munyao won the men's race.

Jepchirchir, 30, pulled away in a sprint finish over the final 300 metres, crossing the finish line in front of Buckingham Palace in two hours, 16 minutes and 16 seconds, breaking Mary Keitany's record of 2:17:01 set in a women-only race at the 2017 London event.

Munyao, 27, pumped his fist several times on his way to the biggest victory of his career, defeating distance runner Kenenisa Bekele in 2:04.01.

Ethiopia's 41-year-old Bekele, who has won three Olympic track titles and 17 world titles in outdoor, indoor, and cross-country, finished second in 2:04.15, with Britain's Emile Cairess third in 2:06.46.

Tigst Assefa of Ethiopia, who set a world record for women in a race alongside male runners at the Berlin Marathon in September with a time of 2:11.53, finished second in 2:16.23.

Joyciline Jepkosgei of Kenya, the 2021 London winner, finished third in 2:16.24.

Marcel Hug won the men's wheelchair race, and Swiss teammate Catherine Debrunner won the women's event.

SportsLigue