Kenya's Kangor triumphs at Riga Marathon with new record

Kenyan distance runner Dominic Kimwetich Kangor won the Lattelecom Riga Marathon on Sunday, setting a new course record at two hours, 11 minutes and 45 seconds.

Runner-up Kaleab Selomon of Eritrea finished 36 seconds behind the winner, and Kenya's Charles Maina came third, clocking 2:13:54 hours, reports Xinhua.

The previous course record, which was set last year by Kenyan athlete Haile Tolossa, was beaten by 43 seconds in cool and cloudy weather conditions this Sunday.

Renars Roze and Janis Viskers, currently the leading Latvian marathoners, failed to meet their target and qualify for the upcoming Rio Olympics. They were placed sixth and eighth respectively.

The women's race was safely won by Shitaye Gemechu of Ethiopia, who crossed the finish line in 2:38:40, beating Kenya's Divina Jepkosge and Ethiopia's Mulunesh Zewdu.

Latvia's Anita Kazemaka took fourth spot and qualified for the Rio Olympic Games with a result of 2:44:09.

The Riga Marathon, which takes place in the Latvian capital city since 1991, has received the IAAF's prestigious Bronze Label.

--IANS

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