Kenya's Kirui rues podium miss at his third London Marathon

NAIROBI, April 23 (Xinhua) -- Former two-time world marathon champion Abel Kirui of Kenya expressed his disappointment in missing out on his third attempt to win the London marathon.

Speaking to Xinhua on Monday, Kirui rallied to finish fourth in 2:07:07 on Sunday beating last year's runner-up Kenenisa Bekele (2:08:53) and reigning champion Daniel Wanjiru (2:10:35) to sixth and eighth respectively.

"I hoped for the podium but I am satisfied with fourth. My time of 2:07:07 was my fastest since 2009," said Kirui.

The Kenyan had hoped for a podium slot after finishing fourth last year, but again he had to watch as Mo Farah claimed the third slot on the podium leaving him to fight another day.

"I'm happy for Mo Farah who was third on the podium. I will have my chance soon," he said. The 35-year-old added that he is recovering and will confirm his next race date soon.

In London, Kirui became only fifth man in history to run 14 marathons clocking below the two hours and 10 minutes mark in road running career.

He joins Tsegaye Kebede (18), Emmanuel Mutai (14), Feyisa Lelisa (14) and Jaouad Gharib (14) on the honor list. Enditem