London always brings the atmosphere on marathon day and this year was no exception. A women’s-only world record and Bekele making master’s records even lower were a couple of the highlights.
London Marathon 2024 – From World Record Holders to Rhinos
A year on from Kelvin Kiptum’s domination in the rain, London decked the streets with marathon merriment again. Costumes, signs and landmarks were all the order of the day with huge crowds filling the capital’s streets and celebrating everyone’s achievements. Barefoot runners braving the distance, first timers feeling the burn and multiple non-standard world record attempts all gave their all in the epic race.
A small but mighty women’s race saw the world record holder take on probably one of the strongest women’s marathon fields every assembled. The men’s race saw one of the greatest of all time, Bekele looking to rekindle old times against a group of hungry challengers. The stories were set and the conditions were great. What would the day hold in store?
Women’s Elite Field
With tributes paid to the tragically departed Kiptum, the races got underway. After the departure of the wheelchair racers, the elite women got underway. Only 16 women toed the line waiting for Barkley Marathon finisher Jasmin Paris to set them on their way. This field was definitely a case of quality over quantity. Furthermore, when three of the world’s 4 fastest female marathoners are head to head, magic can happen. As the race was set off well in advance of the men, the women’s only world record was on the line.
From early in the race, the cream of the crop rose to the top and broke away. The first 5k completed in 15:44 made the record look vulnerable. The first half being over in 67:04 really thinned the field. From the 16 original starters only 7 remained in touch with the lead. Asefa, Jepchirchir, Alema and Kosgei were the dominant force in the pack and swiftly whittled down the field until only they remained.
The tight pack weaved their way through London’s landmarks and no-one was foolhardy enough to try to break away on their own. After 42.2km the whole day came down to a sprint for the line. The jostling and positioning was blown apart by a final kick from Jepchirchir who knows exactly how to win a race. Crossing the line in 2:16:16, she took a minute off her PB, claimed the course record for London and set the women’s only world record. Not a bad day at the office!
- Peres Jepchirchir 2:16:16
- Tigist Assefa 2:16:23
- Joyciline Jepkosgei 2:16:24
London Marathon 2024 Men’s Elite Field
Last year ended in a DNF and a taxi home for Bekele. This year, he turned back the hands of time to put in an incredible performance which reminded us why he is one of the best of all time. 14 years separated Alexander Mutiso Munyao at the start of the race. However, only 14 seconds separated them on the finish line. Bekele showed his quality throughout the London Marathon 2024, furthermore, he kept his pace for the majority of the race until Embankment where the gaps started to appear.
Tamirat Tola, a pre-race favourite, had dropped away by the 30km mark. Although the battle between Kenya and Ethiopia at the front of the pack continued. By the time the runners reached Big Ben, the gap was insurmountable. Munyao had his first London title in the bag. Second place went to Bekele who ran 2:04:15 and further lowered the masters marathon record from his previous mark.
The battle for third was a battle of Britain. Mahamed Mahamed and Emile Cairess both ran astonishing races. Overall, Cairess had slightly more in the tank and consequently finished third in 2:06:46 and became the second fastest ever British marathoner. Next, Mahamed came across the line in 2:07:05, a new PB and the third fastest British marathon time ever. Both men how have the Olympic qualifying time in the bag and show the strength in marathoning growing across the continent.
- Alexander Mutiso Munyao 2:04:01
- Kenenisa Bekele 2:04:15
- Emile Cairess 2:06:46
Andy
45 years old
173cm (5’8″) – 66kg (145lbs)
Forefoot striker – (Very) high cadence runner