Kenya's Abel Kirui has successfully defended his marathon title at the IAAF World Championships in Athletics in Daegu.

Kirui on Sunday claimed the gold medal in men’s marathon with a time of two hours seven minutes 38 seconds. He was almost three minutes ahead of runner-up Kenyan teammate Vincent Kipruto, who took the silver with two hours ten minutes six seconds.

Two years ago, Kirui grabbed the gold at the previous championships in Berlin with a time of two hours six minutes 54 seconds.

Feyisa Lilesa from Ethiopia took the bronze medal with a time of two hours ten minutes 32 seconds.

South Korea's Jeong Ji-hyeok came in 23rd with a time of two hours 17 minutes four seconds, while Lee myong-seung ranked 28th with a time of two hours 18 minutes five seconds.