Kenya's Kosgei breaks world record at 2019 Chicago Marathon

CHICAGO - Kenya's Brigid Kosgei set a world record to win the elite runner women group at 2019 Chicago Marathon on Sunday, with a time of two hours 14 minutes and four seconds, beating the previous world mark by 81 seconds.

Kosgei set a time more than a minute faster than the all-time record of 2:15:25 set by Paula Radcliffe in the 2003 London Marathon and also improved on her previous personal best of 2:18:20 set earlier this year in the London Marathon.

"When I was going I feel my body is moving, moving, moving and so I tried to go," Kosgei said.

"I'm feeling good and I am happy because I was not expected to run like this," Kosgei said during a TV interview.

Lawrence Cherono, also from Kenya, outsprinted his two Ethiopian competitors to win the men's race in 2:05:45. After the final turn, he pulled ahead of Dejene Debela (2:05:46) for the win. Asefa Mengstu finished third (2:05:48).

Cherono also used a strong kick to win the Boston Marathon (2:07:57) in April. The victory marked his eighth career marathon victory.

"All of a sudden when we reach 41 kilometers, the (other runners) were not going again," he said. "I decided to kick and felt I was still having enough energy to sprint. I tried my luck and it worked."