LONDON (Reuters) - Gold at the Commonwealth Games, providing some late drama to what had been an uneventful race on Saturday.
After more than 40 kilometers of running through the twisting Birmingham streets, Kiplangat veered off course in the late stages but had built up such a commanding lead that the miscue did not cause any damage.
The 22-year-old was a comfortable winner in a time of two hours 10 minutes and 55 seconds.
Even with the little side trip Kiplangat crossed 1:34 clear of Tanzania’s Alphonce Simbu, dropping to his knees to give thanks in the finish area before grabbing a Ugandan flag and soaking up the cheers from yet another large Games crowd.
Michael Mugo Githae, a travelling reserve for the Kenyan team, was a late addition to the field and took full advantage of his chance to claim bronze just ahead of Australia’s Liam Adams, who had led much of the early half of the race.
In the women’s event, Australia’s Jessica Stenson grabbed gold after crossing the line in two hours 27 minutes and 31 seconds. Kenya’s Margaret Wangari Muriuki took silver, while the 2018 gold medallist Helalia Johannes claimed bronze.
Winning the gold medal was a memorable achievement for the 34-year-old Stenson, who contracted COVID-19 a month before the Games.
“Maybe it served me well - a bit of extra rest. I had two complete days off and then just jogged for the rest of the week,” said Stenson, who previously won two bronze medals.