Kenyan marathoner Edna Kiplagat has become the first athlete to win a gold medal at the IAAF World Championships in Daegu

The 32-year-old woman crossed the finish line in two hours, 28 minutes and 43 seconds in the 42-point-195 kilometer race that was held in downtown Daegu Saturday morning.

Felow compatriot Priscah Jeptoo finished second in 2:29.00 for silver and Sharon Cherop, also of Kenya, for bronze in 2:29:14 to ensure a first podium sweep in a marathon race at the world championships.

The women’s marathon was held prior to the official opening ceremony of the global sporting event, which is set for 7 p.m. Saturday evening.