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Zhou Chunxiu of China wins the 2007 London Marathon

Posted April 22nd, 2007 at 6:30 AM by David Monti

Section: News & Results, Marathons, Special Features, Live Race Coverage

Zhou Chunxiu 2006 Asian Games Zhou Chunxiu, last year’s Asian Games marathon gold medalist, became the first Chinese athlete to win the Flora London Marathon today. Sprinting to the finish line alone on the Mall, she broke the tape in 2:20:37 (unofficial).

Between 35 and 40 km, Zhou got away from Dutchwoman Lornah Kiplagat, who led most of the race, and Ethiopian Gete Wami. Wami held her form and finished second in 2:21:44, but Kiplagat fell back in the final kilometers. Constantina Tomescu of Romania came from fourth place to pass Kiplagat and finish third in 2:23:55.

The race was held in warm and sunny conditions. This unusually warm weather certainly took a tole on many of the pre-race favorites.

Ratified Women’s Results and Times:
1. Chunxiu Zhou (CHN) 2:20:38
2. Gete Wami (ETH) 2:21:45
3. Constantina Tomescu-Dita (ROM) 2:23:55
4. Salina Kosgei (KEN) 2:24:13
5. Lornah Kiplagat (Holland) 2:24:13
6. Mara Yamauchi (GBR) 2:25:31
7. Benita Johnson (AUS) 2:29:47
8. Liz Yelling (GBR) 2:30:44
9. Inga Abitova (RUS) 2:34:25
10. Berhane Adere (ETH) 2:39:11

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Check back often for our LIVE coverage of the 2007 London Marathon at:

http://london.thefinalsprint.com

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PHOTO: Zhou Chunxiu at her gold medal performance at the 2006 Asian Games. (Courtesy of the Asian Games)