Victor Kiplangat of Uganda won the men's marathon at the World Athletics Championships in Budapest on Sunday after a devastating final third that left his competitors behind in his wake.
After breaking free in the final 15 kilometers, the Commonwealth champion posted a winning time of 2hr 08min 53sec on the streets of Budapest.
Maru Teferi of Israel, an Ethiopian-born athlete, finished second in 2:09.12, while Ethiopian Leul Gebresilase claimed bronze (2:09.19).
"This has been my dream, and it has finally come true," Kiplangat added.
"Last year, I won the Commonwealth Games, which inspired me to aim for the world title this year." My prayers have been realized, and I aim to become an Olympic champion in Paris next year."
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"It was difficult today because it was so hot," Kiplangat continued, "but I felt comfortable because I had prepared well for this weather." I knew it was doable because I had worked hard in training."
Surge at the right time
Kiplangat, colleague Stephen Kissa, Ethiopians Gebresilase, Tsegaye Getachew, Tamirat Tola, and Kenya's Timothy Kiplagat completed the 30km mark in 1hr 32.
Kissa then collapsed after tripping over Kiplagat's heel, allowing Kiplagat to move away with Gebresilase.
Kiplangat, 23, stormed ahead of the lead pack over the next 5 kilometers, leaving Gebresilase 15 seconds behind.
"I knew I felt strong when I got to 30 kilometers," Kiplangat remarked. "I had a lot of energy, which allowed me to go." Then, at 35 kilometers, I could surge again.
"That was always my plan, and I could carry it out." The pace was fast, but I had more to offer. It was difficult, but I always felt powerful."
Teferi advanced through the field to take silver while defending world champion Tola, who established a championship record in Eugene last year, withdrew.
Kissa recovered well after he fell to finish fifth, close behind Lesotho's Tebello Ramakongoana.
Teferi, who suffered a torn running top after collapsing around the 30km mark, said the hot weather made it "very difficult for everybody."
"I'm grateful I finished with the silver," he remarked. "I wanted to get the most out of myself, and this competition was my main goal." "I'm glad I was able to realize my dream."
Tola, the defending champion from Ethiopia, claimed he had to withdraw due to stomach issues.
"I was giving it my all. "I was feeling good until about 30 kilometers," he added. "However, I began to feel sick in my stomach after that."
"I didn't sleep the whole night because I had a stomach problem and was about to puke, but nothing came out because I ate a lot of salty rice."
