Eliud Kipchoge Back to Winning Ways as Marathon Icon Cruises to Victory at NN Mission Marathon

- Eliud Kipchoge staged a confidence-boosting performance in the Netherlands to win the race in 2:04:30

- The win came months after he suffered a rare defeat during the 2020 edition of the London Marathon, where he finished eighth

- Kipchoge had little to prove during the Sunday event as he breezed past Jonathan Korir on his way to an emphatic victory

- Korir went on to finish second in 2:06:40, ahead of Eritrea's Goitom Kifle, who completed the top three podium in 2:08:07

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Eliud Kipchoge is back to winning ways after he cruised to victory at NN Mission Marathon in the Netherlands.

Kipchoge won the race months after he suffered a rare defeat during the London Marathon.

At the time, the marathon icon finished eighth, which was only his second defeat since he started competing in the marathon seven years ago.

However, the 35-year-old brushed off his London disappointment on his return to the track on Sunday, April 18, to win the NN Mission Marathon staged at Twente Airport in Holland.

The race was initially due to take place in Hamburg, Germany, last weekend but was rescheduled due to local COVID-19 restrictions.

Up to 70 runners are understood to have participated, with Dutch legend Michel Butter also taking part.

Fellow Dutchmen Abdi Nageey, Bart van Numen and Frank Futselaar were also involved.

However, Kipchoge eventually emerged winner, with the Kenyan clocking an impressive 2:04:30 to win the race.

The marathon world record-holder had counterpart Jonathan Korir and pacemaker Philemon Kacheran for company at 30km before he broke away, making his move as he eased clear on his way to an emphatic victory.

This was Kipchoge's last competition before he goes to defend his Olympic title at the postponed Tokyo 2020 summer games in August.

Korir held on for second place in 2:06:40, with Eritrea’s Goitom Kifle completing the top three podium in 2:08:07

“Mission accomplished. The conditions were really good, a bit windy, but I had no complaints," Kipcoge was quoted saying after his victory.

"The race was perfect. This was the real test towards Tokyo. It’s good to have a marathon a few months before the Olympics to test my fitness," he added.

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