New world record as Eliud Kipchoge becomes fastest ever marathon runner

New marathon world record set in Berlin

Eliud Kipchoge crowned the 45th edition of the Berlin Marathon with a sensational world record of 2:01:39.

The 33 year-old Kenyan ran his own race, leading right from the start. He improved Dennis Kimetto’s mark of 2:02:57 set in the 2014 Berlin Marathon by 78 seconds. This is the biggest improvement in men’s marathon world record since 1967. Kipchoge finished nearly five minutes ahead of compatriot Amos Kipruto. Preceding world record holder Wilson Kipsang (2:03:23) was third.

Gladys Cherono defended her women’s title with a course record of 2:18:11, also a world leading time. She became the fourth fastest woman in history and won the BMW Berlin Marathon for the third time. It is the first time that three runners finished under 2:19 in one race.

Photo: Maja Hitij/Bongarts/Getty Images