Kenyan-born Joan Chelimo finished fifth in the 2022 London Marathon despite running three-quarters of the race with a blocked back and hamstring cramps.
Chelimo, now a Romanian national finished the race after 2 hours, 19 minutes and 27 seconds (2:19:27).
The time is not only her personal best and best position in a marathon but also a national record for a female marathoner in Romania.
Following her latest achievement, the 31-year-old took to her social media pages to celebrate.
“Grateful for clocking 2:19:27 at the @londonmarathon with a blocked back and hamstring cramps from 30K. Still good for a new national record in women’s only marathon & my best time and position in London so far,” Joan Chelimo posted on her verified Facebook page.
“Congratulations to the podium finishers and all runners who went out with their all to run in London,” she added.
The 2018 Prague Half Marathon Champion also thanked her agents, sponsor – Adidas, club Dinamo, coaches, family and team “who always push me to go beyond limits.”
Joan Chelimo has won several other prestigious road races such as Berlin Half Marathon, Boston 10K and Boston Half Marathon.
During the London Marathon race, the current world record holder in the 10 kilometres road race Yalemzerf Yehualaw Densa emerged victorious.
She clocked 2:17:26 ahead of Kenya’s Joyciline Jepkosgey who finished second (2:18:07).
Another Ethiopian runner Alemu Megertu was third with a time of 2:18:32.
