LOS ANGELES — John Korir of Kenya made a break with 7 miles remaining to win the 36th Los Angeles Marathon on Sunday.
Natasha Cockram of Wales won the women’s race with a similar strategy.
The 24-year-old Korir, who was second here two years ago, finished in 2 hours, 12 minutes, 48 seconds, nearly six minutes better than countryman Edwin Kimutai (2:18:01). Eritrea’s Amanuel Mesel Tikue finished third in 2:18:17.
Korir’s older brother, Wesley Korir, is a two-time Los Angeles champion.
“Now our family is so happy today,” John Korir said. “This is three-time our family has won this race. We are happy now.”
Cockram won after placing 13th in the London Marathon on Oct. 3. She ran the 26.2-mile Stadium to Stars course in 2:33:17.
“I wasn’t sure how my body was going to be feeling after London,” Cockram said. “About halfway, I felt sure and comfortable. I kind of wish I’d gone earlier.”
Kenya’s Antonina Kwamba was second in 2:37:36, edging Russia’s Nina Zarina by a second.
Korir and Cockram each won $6,000. The total prize purse was $40,000.
The race traditionally takes place in March. It returns to that spot next year.
Image courtesy of AP