Close shave for Dibaba in marathon

Ethiopian Mare Dibaba lived up to her billing as the world's fastest marathon runner by winning the grueling event at the world championships in a sprint finish on Sunday.

Dibaba timed 2 hr, 27 min, 35 sec to edge Kenya's Helah Kiprop by just one second after a sprint in the final 50 meters of the race held in overcast, relatively cool conditions.

Kenyan-born Bahraini Eunice Kirwa claimed bronze in 2:27.39, while defending champion Edna Kiplagat could only finish fifth (2:28.18) behind Kenyan teammate Jemima Sumgong(2:27.42).