Kenyan contingent to continue dominance of London Marathon elite races

Jamie Clark, Sports Editor | April 22, 2016

Africans to show strength across sexes in London Marathon

While many people compete in the London Marathon for the challenge of completing the 26 miles plus course around the British capital, the elite races are part of the rich tapestry of the eternal athletics rivalry between Kenya and Ethiopia.

Long-distance runners from these African countries dominate the Marathon circuit. Each of the last 13 men’s elite races have been claimed by either a Kenyan (10) or an Ethiopian (three) athlete.

It’s a similar story for the women since 2010, with Kenya having taken four of the last six, and the other two being won by a representative of Ethiopia.

Bearing all this in mind, who looks like a bet to come good in this ultimate test of endurance? Here are the thoughts of our athletics expert on respective elite men’s and women’s races.

Course record holder Kipsang cannot be counted out

No athlete has run the London Marathon faster than Wilson Kipsang Kiprotich, who won his second edition of this race in 2014 in a record time of 2:04:29. Although beaten last year by fellow Kenyan competitor Eliud Kipchoge, Kipsang has a curious pattern in his favour.

When entering the London Marathon in years with an even number, Kipsang has come first. While Kipchoge is made a narrow 13/8 favourite to pip him to first again, there is no denying Kipsang’s obvious quality, and he represents real value at 2/1 to regain the crown.