•Titus Kipruto laid down a marker for his full road race career when he clocked 2:05:05
•Kenya's Judith Jeptum persevered through nail-biting weather conditions to clinch the Paris Marathon in a course record
•Kenyans' accolades internationally continued a trend that started on Saturday at the Prague Half Marathon
Image: HANDOUT
It was a weekend to remember for the 2019 Milano Marathon champion Vivian Kiplagat as she reclaimed her title in a personal best of 2:20:17.
The Ethiopian duo of Sintayehu Tilahun and Atalel Anmut Dargie finished second and third in 2:22:19 and 2:22:21 respectively.
The last time the two-time Milano Marathon champion competed in Italy, Kiplagat clocked 2:22:25 to win the race. In 2018, she timed 2:27:08 to cut the tape for her maiden Milano title.
In the men's race, Titus Kipruto laid down a marker for his full road race career when he clocked 2:05:05 to clinch the title.
The 3,000m steeplechase specialist, making his maiden marathon appearance, led a 1-2 Kenyan finish alongside Daniel Kibet, who clocked 2:05:20. Tanzanian Alphonce Felix was third in 2:06:20.
Kipruto and Kiplagat's wins underlined another fruitful weekend for Kenyans on the road and a reason to be optimistic heading into major international assignments.
Image: HANDOUT
Earlier, Kenya's Judith Jeptum persevered through nail-biting weather conditions to clinch the Paris Marathon in a course record of 2:19:48.
Ethiopian pair of Fantu Jimma (2:22:52) and Besu Sado (2:23:16) finished second and third respectively.
"It was a tough race, mostly because of the cold weather. All in all, I had to do my best and push myself to victory," Jeptum said.
Elsewhere, world 5,000m silver medalist Margaret Chelimo continued her preparations for the busy track and field season with a win at the Barcelona Half Marathon on Sunday.
Chelimo timed 1:05.26, ahead of the Ethiopian duo of Gete Alemayehu (1:06:37) and Asnakech Awoke (1:09:34).
She said the result is everything she has ever dreamed of as far as perfect debuts are concerned.
"Everything went well from the circuit to the weather conditions and to the course route. Considering it was my first time running on the road, I consider it a success," Chelimo said.
In the men's division, Kenya's Elvis Cheboi finished third in 59:15 as Ethiopians Haftu Teklu (59:06) and Chala Regasa (59:10) finished first and second respectively.
Kenyans' accolades internationally continued a trend that started on Saturday at the Prague Half Marathon when the 2020 Eldama Ravine 10km champion Kenneth Renju and Nesphine Jepleting triumphed in the men and women's races respectively.
In blistering cold in the Czech capital, Renju clocked 59:28 to lead a clean Kenyan sweep alongside Philemon Kiplimo (59:33) and Matthew Kimeli (59:46).
Following the win, Renju is already dreaming of a course record — or even a world record.
"I enjoyed the race even though it was quite cold. Despite the windy conditions, it was very fast and I feel like breaking a new record here is a possibility. I would love to run again here next year," Renju said.
Jepleting also led a clean podium sweep, timing a personal best of 1:06:57 ahead of compatriots Irene Cheptai (1:07:16) and Brenda Jepleting (1:08:39).
"It would have even been a better result were it not for the windy conditions. At one point I felt as if a win was out of the question but I reminded myself of the need to carry on," Jepleting said.