Limo outsprints Lel to win London marathon

LONDON, Apr 23 (Reuters) Kenyan Felix Limo outsprinted team mate and defending champion Martin Lel to win the men's London marathon today.

Limo, 25, was running for the first time in London after recording wins in Rotterdam, Berlin and Chicago.

He clocked two hours six minutes and 39 seconds to win by two seconds ahead of Lel with South African Hendrick Ramaala 14 seconds adrift in third place.

The leading men's contenders, including race favourite and four-times world 10,000 metres champion Haile Gebrselassie remained tightly bunched on a cool, wet morning until the 30 km mark when Kenyan Evans Rutto accelerated to the front.

Rutto was unable to shake off the pack and the next break came at 38 km when Kenyan Rogers Rop and Lel moved away.

Ramaala responded before Limo and Lel made their final move.

The pair ran stride for stride until Limo surged over the final metres to win by two seconds.

REUTERS PM PM1720