Kenyan long-distance runner Patrick Makau set a new world record Sunday at the Berlin Marathon, breaking the old mark set by Ethiopian legend Haile Gebrselassie three years ago.
Makau, 26, crossed the finish line in two hours, three minutes and 38 seconds — beating Gebrselassie's previous record by 21 seconds, Athletics Weekly reported.
Gebrselassie failed to finish the race, withdrawing from the event just prior to the 40 kilometer (25 mile) mark.
Makau broke from the field at 27 kilometers (17 miles) and never looked back. He charged through the Brandenburg Gate and toward the finish line in record time.
He said he was expecting a tougher challenge from the 38-year-old Gebrselassie, who set a new marathon world record at the Berlin event in 2008.
"I was expecting a lot of challenge from Haile. I was expecting to gain a lot of experience, but not to win," Makau said.
"It's the greatest day of running life. I didn't feel well when I woke up. But at 25 kilometers (15 miles) I felt I could break the world record. It's great to beat Haile today as he's one of my heroes," he added.
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