Geoffrey Mutai Captures Second New York City Marathon Title

Geoffrey Mutai is cementing his legacy as one of the greatest marathoners of all-time. Photo: PhotoRun.net

The 32-year-old Kenyan put the race away over the final 10K to win in 2:08:24.

NEW YORK — In the opening 10 kilometers of the ING New York City Marathon on Sunday morning, reigning champion Geoffrey Mutai of Kenya appeared as if he was chomping at the bit to surge into the lead. With 7K to go, he really started to put the bite down.

Cranking down the pace just past mile 21 to split up a lead pack of 8 runners, Mutai put himself into a two-man battle with countryman Stanley Biwott by 35K, but the duel didn’t last long. Mutai continued to step on the gas in Central Park, extending his advantage all the way to the finish line to break the tape in 2 hours, 8 minutes and 24 seconds and capture his second ING New York City Marathon title.

MORE: 2013 New York City Marathon Coverage

“Today it was a very tough race,” Mutai said after the race. “The first time here is easy. To defend your title is not easy. Today it was a very tough wind.”

Tsegaye Kebede of Ethiopia ran strong over the final 5 kilometers to finish second in 2:09:16, assuring him of the World Marathon Majors title and a $500,000 paycheck. South African Olympian Lusapho April finished third in 2:09:45 to round out the top-3. Biwott faded to fifth in 2:10:41.

Ryan Vail of Portland, Ore., was the top American men’s finisher in 13th place, running 2:13:23. Meb Keflezighi, the 2009 champion, ran strong for much of the race, but fell back to finish 20th in 2:23:47.

Stay tuned to Competitor.com’s complete coverage page throughout the day for updates, quotes, photos and more from the ING New York City Marathon!

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