Yomi Omogbeja (18/10/2004)

Kenya's Robert Cheboror has won the 29th edition of the Amsterdam marathon with a new course record ahead of countryman William Kipsang.

The 26-year-old crossed the finishing line at the 1928 Olympic stadium in 2:06:22, not only bettering the one-year-old course record (2:06:39) of compatriot William Kipsang but also setting the third fastest time of the year.

Only Cheborors countrymen Felix Limo (2:06:14, Rotterdam) and Evans Rutto (2:06:16, Chicago) were quicker in 2004.

Kipsang, who won and set the old record in 2003, finished second in 2:08:40. France's al-Hassam Lahssini was third in 2:10:09.

Although Kipsang looked very strong in the final kilometres, Cheboror was too far ahead.

Cheboror said afterwards: "I asked William if he was angry I bettered his course record but he said ‘no', I'm happy for you with the course record and the personal best."

A half-marathon specialist, Cheboror has long been seen as a potential champion but his best previous finish was as runner-up at the Boston Marathon in April.

He trains in Kapngetuny and Chirchir-Centre in Kenya and was placed ninth in Amsterdam last year in a surprising 2:11:06.

Career statistics:

• Cheboror's first European win was the 2002 Lille Half-Marathon in 61:42, still his personal best.
• In 2003, before Amsterdam, he placed 2nd at the Berlin Half-Marathon (61:55) and won the Bridge to Bridge Ten Mile in the Netherlands in (48:09).
• He aslo placed 6th at 5,000 meters at the Kenyan Athletics Championships.
• In 2004, he finished 4th at the Senior Men's 12K Athletics Kenya Final Cross Country Meeting.