Kenya's Eliud Kipchoge, Gladys Cherono win 42nd Berlin Marathon

Berlin: Kenya`s athletes Eliud Kipchoge and Gladys Cherono won the 42nd Berlin Marathon on a sun-drenched autumn day.

Eliud Kipchoge crossed the finish line in 2:04:01 to beat his personal best despite footwear problems, while Gladys Cherono won the women`s competition in 2:19:25. Germany`s best runner was Philipp Pflieger, who clocked 2:12:50, Xinhua news agency reported on Sunday.

A total of 41,224 runners from 127 countries and regions participated in the Berlin Marathon.

Kipchoge smoothed the victory with 10 kilometers to go, by pulling away from a six men group to gradually build up the lead against his rivals. The winner from this year`s London Marathon cruised to the victory at the Brandenburg Gate despite losing his insoles during the race.

The 30-year-old Kenyan remained unimpressed by his footwear problems and crossed the finish line in 2:04:01, followed by compatriot Eliud Kiptanui in 2:05:22 and Ethiopian Feyisa Lilesa, who timed 2:06:57.

Kenya`s Gladys Cherono won the women`s competition with a world leading time of 2:19:25, at her only second marathon. Meanwhile, Ethiopia`s Aberu Kebede finished second in 2:20:48, followed by compatriot Meseret Hailu in 2:24:33.