LONDON, April 23 – Sifan Hassan won the 2023 London Marathon on Sunday in 2:18:33 in her first-ever marathon, despite facing a few obstacles, including a couple of unplanned stops to stretch during the race.
The Dutch Olympic 5,000m and 10,000m champion’s remarkable performance culminated in a brilliant sprint in the final 600 meters, beating Alemu Megertu of Ethiopia, who finished second in 2:18:37, and Peres Jepchirchir, the Olympic champion, who finished third with a time of 2:18:38.
“I really love the London Marathon. I love the crowd. I will never forget this,” said Hassan in an interview with BBC Sports.
Hassan overcame an early setback where she had to stop to stretch 2-3 times and fell almost 20 seconds off the leading pace, in addition to almost missing one of her drink stations. But the track star showed resilience by recovering brilliantly to make it a memoriable debut.
Defending champion Yelamzerf Yehualaw finished in fifth place with a time of 2:18:53, just behind Shelia Chepkirui of Kenya who was fourth at 2:18:51
Kelvin Kiptum Breaks Course Record in Men’s London Marathon
In the men’s race, Kelvin Kiptum of Kenya smashed Eliud Kipchoge’s previous course record to win his first London Marathon title, posting the second-fastest time in history with a dominant run. Kiptum fell short of breaking the world record by just 16 seconds, finishing with a stunning time of 2:01:25, replacing Kenenisa Bekele (2:01:41) behind Kipchoge on the all-time list.
“I am so happy,” he told BBC Sports. “I had a good preparation. I am very happy.”
Geoffrey Kamworor of Kenya finished in second place with a time of 2:04:23, while Tamirat Tola of Ethiopia came in third with a time of 2:04:59.
Great Britain’s Sir Mo Farah, running his last London Marathon was ninth in 2:10:28
The London Marathon is widely regarded as one of the world’s most prestigious races, with elite runners from around the world participating each year.
2023 London Marathon Top Results
Men’s Top 10 Results
- Kelvin Kiptum (Kenya) – 02:01:25
- Geoffrey Kamworor (Kenya) – 02:04:23
- Tamirat Tola (Ethiopia) – 02:04:59
- Leul Gebresilase (Ethiopia) – 02:05:45
- Seifu Tura (Ethiopia) – 02:06:38
- Emile Cairess (Great Britain) – 02:08:07
- Brett Robinson (Australia) – 02:10:19
- Phil Sesemann (Great Britain) – 02:10:23
- Sir Mo Farah (Great Britain) – 02:10:28
- Chris Thompson (Great Britain) – 02:11:50
Women’s Top 10 Results
- Sifan Hassan (Netherlands) – 02:18:33
- Alemu Megertu (Ethiopia) – 02:18:37
- Peres Jepchirchir (Kenya) – 02:18:38
- Shelia Chepkirui (Kenya) – 02:18:51
- Yalemzerf Yehualaw (Ethiopia) – 02:18:53
- Judith Jeptum Korir (Kenya) – 02:20:41
- Almaz Ayana (Ethiopia) – 02:20:44
- Tadu Teshome (Ethiopia) – 02:21:31
- Sofiia Yaremchuk (Italy) – 02:24:02
- Susanna Sullivan (USA) – 02:24:27
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