- Ethiopian wins but just misses out on extra bonus payment
- Jepkosgei takes women’s race in seventh fastest time ever
Sisay Lemma has always been a marathon bridesmaid, never the bride. So having burned off a high-quality London marathon field, it was only natural for the 30‑year‑old Ethiopian to ease up in the final few strides to bask in the crowd’s applause and give a regal wave in appreciation.
But shortly after he crossed the line in 2hr 4min 1sec – 27 seconds ahead of Kenya’s Vincent Kipchumba in second – he was struck by a painful realisation. The final two seconds had cost him $25,000 (£18,500) in extra time bonuses he would have earned for going under 2hr 4min.
