Dewi Doha Bound As Griffiths Clocks Worlds Qualifying Time

By Owen Morgan

Dewi Griffiths clocked the World Championships qualifying time as three Welsh male athletes finished in the top 30 at the fastest London Marathon in history.

Swansea Harrier Griffiths finished 16th and was third Brit across the line and is set to compete at the worlds in Doha later this year.

The Carmarthenshire sheep farmer clocked 2:11.46 – inside the 2:13.00 standard for September’s World Championships in Qater.

Griffiths’ run earned him gold in the Welsh Marathon Championships, which is incorporated into the London Marathon.

He also won bronze in British Marathon Championships, which was won by Sir Mo Farah, who was the first Briton home as he finished fifth overall.

“Third Brit and I’ve got the standard for Doha,” said Griffiths after completing his second marathon.

“I was more nervous this second time around because I had to prove myself.

“First time around I had nothing to lose and I went for it. This time I was getting to the water stations nervous because it was totally new again but a humbling experience and onto the next one.”

Happy with 2:14:25 PB at @LondonMarathon! pic.twitter.com/R9gWcEexSH

— Josh Griffiths (@JoshGriffRun) April 28, 2019

Fellow Harrier Josh Griffiths took silver in the race for the Welsh title as he produced a new marathon personal best time of 2:14.25 in finishing 21st overall.

Stockport AC’s Andy Davies finished 26th overall in 2:15.37 – just outside his personal best – to take third place in the Welsh Championships.

World record holder Eliud Kipchoge, of Kenya won the overall race in a new course record and second fastest marathon time in history – 2:02.37.

Mickey Morris racing team athlete Natasha Cockram, finished 57th overall to take the Welsh marathon title in a time of 2:40.31, ahead of American-based Rotherham Harrier Rosie Edwards, who finished in 2:42.21.

The overall women’s title was claimed by Kenya’s Brigid Kosgei, who won in a time of 2:18.20.