Kenya’s Cyprian Kotut beats old mark to win in Poland

Cyprian Kotut of Kenya ran to victory in the PZU Cracovia Marathon in Krakow, Poland, on Sunday in 2:09:18, beating the old mark of 2:11:26.

It was the first time that the race was included in the IAAF Bronze Label road race series, the day ended with course records for both men and women.

After an initial steady pace in the men’s race, with the halfway point reached in 1:05:11, a three-man leading group emerged before the 30km point.

There were no major surprises regarding the composition of that trio, with Kotut, Kentaro Nakamoto and Philip Kangogo all among the pre-race favourites.

A few minutes later only two were left at the front as Kangogo started to lose ground on the leaders. Soon after, Nakamoto also started to struggle with the pace pushed by Kotut.

The Kenyan leader continued to look strong as he increased the distance between himself and his rivals all the way to the finish.

Kotut’s fourth 10-kilometre segment of the race was his fastest at 30:12 as he continued unchallenged at the front. He broke the tape in 2:09:18, more than two minutes inside the previous course record.

Nakamoto held on to take a clear second place followed by Kangogo, who reached the finish in 2:13:46, followed by another Kenyan, Josphat Leting, with 2:14:40.