Ethiopia's Tsegaye Kebede takes men's London Marathon

Kebede wins London Marathon

Ethiopia's Tsegaye Kebede won the London Marathon, finishing over a minute clear of Kenya's Emmanuel Mutai as world champion Abel Kirui was fifth.

Kebede won in two hours five minutes and 19 seconds, the third fastest time in the event's 30-year history.

Defending champion Sammy Wanjiru, returning after a back injury, dropped out around mile 17 with a knee problem.

Morroco's Joaurd Gharib came third as Britain's Andrew Lemoncello finished eighth on his marathon debut.

The 27-year-old clocked an impressive two hours 13 minutes and 40 seconds as he continues his step up from steeplechase, but was not entirely satisfied with his morning's work.

606: DEBATE Kebede has already won Paris marathon, I think he will be hard to beat when he gets more mature eziyos

"I was a bit disappointed with the run actually," he said.

"It is OK, it is a good start and hopefully I will go into the next one with a lot more confidence.

"It justified the decision to move away from the track but it will be interesting to see when I can run with a group of people at the front."

Kebede, who was runner-up on his London debut in 2009, was only nine seconds outside the course record and his win prevented either Kirui and Mutai extending Kenya's domination of the event to a seventh year.

A steady first half of the race took the leaders over Tower Bridge almost a minute slower than last year, before Mutai stretched the field with only Kebede and Kirui able to follow.

Lemoncello disappointed with Marathon debut

But Kebede's strength proved too great for the other two and Kirui paid for his attempt to challenge as he slid down the field over the final stages.

In contrast to last year's losing battle with Wanjiru, the Olympic bronze medallist completed his victory unchallenged down the finishing straight.

"I was second last year, so it is good to win this year," he said.

"Maybe next year I could run 2:04. I thought I could get the course record but the rain made it difficult."

Salford Harrier Andi Jones secured 10th and qualification for the England team for October's Commonwealth Games in a time of 2:16:38.

Although the result represented an improvement on last year's 13th for the 21-year-old, he was over a minute off his personal best.