Lemma, Jepkosgei win London Marathon for the first time

Sisay Lemma of Ethiopia won the men's London Marathon for the first time on Sunday and Joyciline Jepkosgei of Kenya was victorious on her debut in the women's race.

The 30-year-old Lemma, who was third in London last year, completed the 42.2-kilometre route in two hours four minutes and one second. He was 27 seconds ahead of Vincent Kipchuma of Kenya, while Mosinet Geremew of Ethiopia was third.

Tristan Woodfine of Cobden, Ont., was 19th in 2:23.35.

Jepkosgei opted to race in London over the defence of her New York title next month. It paid off after winning in two hours 17 minutes 43 seconds. Degitu Azimeraw of Ethiopia was second with compatriot Ashete Bekere third.

There were Swiss winners of the wheelchair races with Marcel Hug claiming his third men's title in London, while Manuela Schär triumphed for the second time in the women's race.