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As expected, Kenyan-born runners swept the podium at the third Access Bank Lagos City Marathon on Saturday, claiming all three top medal positions in the men's category while Ethiopians made a clean sweep on the women's side. Abraham Kiprotich, who now competes under the French flag, set a new championship record when he claimed the men's title with a time of 2:13:04. That time eclipsed Abraham Kiptum's winning times of 2:16.19 and 2:15.23 run in the 2016 and 2017 editions of the competition respectively. Kenyan Kiboss Ronny was not far behind his former compatriot with a time of 2:13:26. Rounding up the sweep was Victor Benjamin who finished the 42 km race with a time of 2:13:29. Herpa Guta led an Ethiopian wipeout of the women's race, cantering to victory with a time of 2:38.23 to finish ahead of Girma Getachew (2:38.34) and Ayelu Hordofu (2:38.39). Kiprotich claimed the top prize of $50 000, while the second and third place finishers received $40 000 and $30 000 respectively. Iliya Pam finished as the top Nigerian in the race, returning a time of 2:40.16 to edge 2016 winner Flilbus Sharubutu who came a distant second on 2:54.07. Pam also won the category last year while William Kefas finished third on 2:58.07.
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