Kenyan Lel Claims Second NYC Marathon

Martin Lel of Kenya narrowly beat out Abderrahim Goumri of Morocco to take first place in this year's New York City Men's Marathon. This was Lel's second NY victory, having also won in 2003. Lel and Goumri also battled to the finish in this year's London Marathon, when Lel beat Goumri by only three seconds. This time it was by 12— Lel's wining time was 2 hours and 9.03 minutes.

For most of the race, the leaders in the men's race were in a tight pack, reports the New York Times.  The pack finally dwindled to three runners in the 23rd mile: Lel, Goumri, and South African Hendrick Ramaala. Ramaala, another former winner, had led the race for ten kilometers. Women's world record holder Paula Radcliffe of the UK took the women's title, also for the second time. (More Martin Lel stories.)