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Gladys Cherono sets new course record in Berlin Marathon

Kenya's Gladys Cherono crosses the finish line to win the women's category of the Berlin Marathon on September 16, 2018 in Berlin. AFP PHOTO

Gladys Cherono made it a hat trick of Berlin Marathon victories with new a course record of 2:18:11 on a memorable day for Kenyan athletes in the German capital.

Cherono’s victory came just minutes after Eliud Kipchoge smashed the men’s world record on the same course in a stunning display.

Ethiopia’s Tirunesh Dibaba, who controlled the early stages of the women’s race, settled for third place in 2:18:56 behind compatriot Ruti Aga who sealed second spot in 2:18:35.

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Winner Kenya’s Gladys Cherono (right) and second placed Ethiopia’s Ruti Aga celebrate after the women’s category of the Berlin Marathon on September 16, 2018 in Berlin. AFP PHOTO

COURSE RECORD

“My target was to break the course record and run  a sub 2:19:00 time. I’ m so happy to have set a new course record. The weather condition was good and it made me run fast today,” Cherono said after the race.

“I’m hoping to come back next year and break the course record yet again,” added Cherono, who won the Berlin Marathon last year (2:03:32) and in 2015 (2:04:00).