Kenyans are in a celebratory mood after Evans Chebet and Sharon Lokedi persevered the punishing heat to clinch the New York City Marathon men’s and women’s titles on Sunday.

Brazilian Daniel Do Nascimento, who was ahead at the halfway mark in the men's race, fainted after 20 miles and was rescued by the New York City Police Department officials.


Chebet, who bagged the Boston Marathon earlier this year, crossed the finish in 2:08:41, with Ethiopian Shura Kitata emerging second in 2:08:54 and Dutchman Abdi Nageeye third.

28-year-old Lokedi, who was on her debut marathon race in New York, won in 2:23:23, with Lonah Chemtai Salpeter of Israel emerging second in 2:23:30 and Ethiopia’s Gotytom Gebreslase was third.

The New York City Marathon, which has been held in the city since 1970, was this year held in punishing heat of around 22.2°C, said to be one of the hottest conditions in its history.