AMSTERDAM (AP) — Wilson Chebet of Kenya defended his title at the Amsterdam Marathon on Sunday while setting a course record.
Chebet broke away from the leading pack after about 24 miles and won in a time of 2 hours, 5 minutes, 41 seconds. Ethiopians Bentayehu Assefa and Abrha Gebretsadik were second and third, both with a time of 2:06.22.
The previous course record of 2:05.44 was set by Getu Feleke in 2010.
Peter Kirui of Kenya had been viewed as Chebet’s main rival before the race, but faded around the 22-mile mark.
The race had a record number of 38,000 entrants — with about 13,000 set to complete the full marathon — but few top-level runners.
Michel Butter was the top Dutch finisher with a time of 2:09.57, improving his personal best by more than two minutes and qualifying for the world championships.
