The Kenyan, whose record mark was erased by training partner Dennis Kimetto in September, won in 2hr 10min 55sec, more than seven and a half minutes off his former record.

Windy conditions meant the racing would be a tactical affair, but Kipsang proved equal to that challenge as he raced into the final stretch with Ethiopia's 24-year-old Lelisa Desisa, whose arm caught him as he attempted to sprint clear.

Kipsang's glare at his opponent made it clear what he thought about this, and he seemed to gain energy as he surged on to finish 11 seconds clear of his young challenger, who recorded 2:10.44, with third place going to Ethiopia's 2010 champion, Gebre Gebremariam.

The 39-year-old home favourite Meb Keflezighi, this year's Boston Marathon winner, was fourth.

"I had to exercise a lot of patience," said Kipsang, who has now won titles in Berlin, London and New York.

Mary Keitany meanwhile, winner of the London Marathon in 2011 and 2012, won the women's race in 2hr 25min 7sec - three seconds ahead of fellow countrywoman Jemima Jelagat Sumgong to match the closest finish in the history of the event.

Mary Keitany wins the New York City Marathon by a three-second margin from fellow Kenyan Jemima Sumgong ©Getty Images

Keitany redeemed herself from failed tactics at her last outing in New York, in 2011, when she surged ahead to a huge early lead only to be caught and settle for her second straight third-place finish.

"I worked hard for this opportunity," she said.

"I'm happy because I have a victory today, because I know I've been coming to New York two times, and I was in that position.

"So I'm happy today because it was a good day and I win."

Today marked Keitany's first marathon since 2012 after taking time off because of the birth of her second child.

Sumgong appeared to be pulling away with just over a mile left, but Keitany had one last burst left and passed her 800 metres from the finish.

The runner-up finisher was making her debut in New York, a late entry after defending champion and training partner Priscah Jeptoo withdrew because of a leg injury.

Portugal's Sara Moreira was third on her marathon debut.

The race came just days after the surfacing of allegations that another Kenyan, Rita Jeptoo, tested positive for erythropoietin (EPO) prior to her victory at the Chicago Marathon last month.

World Marathon Majors have postponed their female awards ceremony pending further developments.

Contact the writer of this story at [email protected]


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