This is the first time since 2009 that Kenya has missed out on a medal in the women’s marathon at the World Championships.
Ethiopia clinched a one-two, with Amane Beriso winning gold in a time of 2:24:23, as compatriot Gotytom Gebrselase, the defending champion, finished second for silver in 2:24:34. Both clocked their fastest times this season.
Morocco’s Fatima Ezzahra finished third for bronze in 2:25:17 while Kenyan-born Israeli Lornah Salpeter, bronze medal winner from Oregon last year, was fourth in a time of 2:25:38.
Yalemzerf Yuhualaw finished fifth in 2:26:13, after failing to match the speed and tempo of her two compatriots in the final two kilometres of the race.
Wanjiru clocked 2:26:42 while compatriot Chepyego timed 2:27:09.
It had all seemed to go well for the Kenyans as they stuck to the leading pack that included the four Ethiopians for most of the race, with Wanjiru mostly doing the management of the tempo upfield.
But with nine kilometres to go, the Ethiopian quartet took off, never to look back, and the two Kenyans, as well as Israel’s Salpeter were dropped way back.
It seemed an all clear for an Ethiopian podium sweep the three working side by side, pushing each other with signals to dictate the pace.
With around 3km left to go, it was now everyone for herself as Beriso kicked up the tempo, opening some gap to the defending champion.
Behind them Yehualaw seemed to be struggling and was dropped further back. With around 2km to go, she started flailing her hands, and behind her, Moroccan Ezzahra, who had kept the faith and remained in the chase, took advantage to move into the bronze medal positions.
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