Former Boston Marathon champion Sharon Chemutai Cherop has attributed the slow time she posted while winning the Milano Marathon to the last-minute change of the route.

Cherop, a former world marathon bronze medalist won the Milano Marathon on Sunday morning after clocking 2:26.13.

Ethiopia's Ethlemahu Sintayehu (2:26.30) and compatriot Emily Kipchumba Chebet (2:28.08) placed second and third respectively. 

Making her debut at Italy's race, Cherop said she was told the course was flat and in good condition for better times, but when she arrived ready for the race, the story was totally different.

"I really wanted to have a good time here but that was not achieved. The course was totally different but I thank God that I managed to come home with the victory," said Cherop.

At the same time, she revealed that the weather was not friendly and they had to battle in unfavourable situations hence failing to realize her dream.

"The weather did not favour me at all but the fact that I won is enough consolation despite the challenges I encountered on the course," she said.

In the men's race, Ugandan Andrew Rotich Kwemoi won the title in another slow time of 2:07.12.

Kenyan Timothy Kipkorir Kattam was second in 2:07.52 while Rwandese John Nakizimana completed the podium positions in 2:08.17.