Kenyan, Kipsang, Sets New Marathon Record.

On Sunday, Kenyan Wilson Kipsang broke the marathon world record by 15 seconds as he claimed the Berlin title.

The 31-year-old clocked a time of two hours three minutes 23 seconds to better the previous mark set by compatriot Patrick Makau two years ago.

Previous record holder, Makau, ran 2:03:38 also in the German capital.

Kipsang’s compatriot Eliud Kipchoge (2:04:05) and Geoffrey Kipsang (2:06:26) finished second and third respectively in this year’s marathon.

Makau did not run this year’s race after withdrawing two weeks ago with a knee injury.

Wilson Kipsang took control of the race in the final 10km, breaking away from the leading pack.

Wilson Kipsang.
Wilson Kipsang.

Sunday’s victory takes Kipsang’s total marathon wins to seven since competing in his first in Paris three years ago.

“I’m very happy that I have won and broken the world record,” Kipsang said.

“I was really inspired by (fellow Kenyan) Paul Tergat when he broke the world record here 10 years ago and I’m very happy that I was in a position to break the record on the same course.”

Kipsang won the London marathon last year, claimed bronze in the marathon at last year’s Olympic but, despite being named among the favourite, he finished fifth in this year’s London marathon.