August 9, 2013
First gold of World Champs goes to Kenya in Marathon
Kipligat takes first gold, Italian Valeria Stranio silver
KINGSTON, Jamaica — The first final of the 14 edition of the IAAF World Championships — the women’s Marathon — was won by defending champion Kenya’s Edna Kipligat with Italian Valeria Stranio who led most of the race, in second.
Kipligat is the first woman to ever defend a marathon title.
Japan’s Kayoko Fukushi won the bronze medal after a keen battle with Ethiopian Messeret Hailu who clutched her leg and pulled up with about fifteen minutes left to race.
Fourth place was won by another Japanese athlete.