Stephen Kiprotich of Uganda pulls away late in race to win Olympic men’s marathon

LONDON – Stephen Kiprotich of Uganda surged ahead late in the race to win the Olympic marathon and capture the first medal for his country at the London Games.

Kiprotich finished in two hours eight minutes one second Sunday, holding off the Kenyan duo of Abel Kirui and Wilson Kipsang.

Kirui finished 26 seconds behind Kiprotich, while Kipsang, the leader most of the race, faded late but held on for bronze just ahead of American runner Meb Keflezighi.

Dylan Wykes had Canada’s best finish, crossing the line in 20th place in 2:15:26.

Eric Gillis of Antigonish, N.S., was 22nd in 2:16:00 while Reid Coolsaet of Hamilton finished 27th in 2:16:29.

On a warm afternoon, the marathoners wound their way through a scenic route packed with swarms of fans.

The Kenyans competed in memory of the late Sammy Wanjiru. Four years ago in Beijing, Wanjiru captured the country’s first Olympic marathon gold. He died last year after a fall from a balcony during a domestic dispute.