Kenya was filled with joy on Sunday, October 4 after world record holder Brigid Kosgei won her second London Marathon title with a smile on her face clocking 2:18:58.
Kosgei was in the lead for the better part of the race with compatriot Ruth Chepngetich crossing the line in third position.
American Sarah Hall put on a great show coming from behind to steal the second position from Chepngetich wihth seconds to the tape.
Kenyans flooded social media platforms to praise the Kenyans for putting up a good race and maintaining the country’s history as the athletics powerhouse.
There goes Brigid Kosgei! 🔥
The World Record Holder puts her foot down and takes control of the race by pulling away from Ruth Chepng'etich.
It's now her race to lose.#LondonMarathon #The40thRace pic.twitter.com/iLdYqDNOQv
— TCS London Marathon (@LondonMarathon) October 4, 2020
Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga was among the leaders who were on the frontline to congratulate Kosgei for her win.
“What an outstanding run, congratulations Brigid Kosgei on successfully defending your title and winning the London Marathon,” he tweeted.
What an outstanding run, congratulations Brigid Kosgei on successfully defending your title and winning the #LondonMarathon. You have lived up to the strong Kenyan tradition in distance running. Keep going and keep inspiring. Hongera! pic.twitter.com/X3r9WVFkxw
— Raila Odinga (@RailaOdinga) October 4, 2020
Deputy President William Ruto also praised Kosgei pointing out that she showed great endurance, mental strength and will-power.
“Your endurance, mental strength, will-power & assiduity are a solid manifest that Kenya is home to the world’s top-ranking athletes,” he said.
Congratulations Brigid Kosgei & Ruth Chepng’etich for triumphantly defending your London Marathon title & emerging third in the race, respectively. Your endurance, mental strength, will-power & assiduity are a solid manifest that Kenya is home to the world’s top-ranking athletes. pic.twitter.com/5L5d2yY9XU
— William Samoei Ruto, PhD (@WilliamsRuto) October 4, 2020