Kipkoech sliced 18 seconds off the previous mark of 2:17:23 set by Ethiopia’s Yalemzerf Yehualaw in 2022.

Kenyan distance ace Brillian Kipkoech was in imperious form on Sunday, delivering a statement run at the Hamburg Marathon in Germany, where she obliterated the course record en route to a commanding 2:17:05 victory.

The 31-year-old produced a decisive late surge to outkick compatriot Rebbeca Tanui, who clocked 2:18:25 for second, while Ethiopia’s Kasanesh Ayenew completed the podium in 2:19:39.

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Remarkably, the triumph came in only Kipkoech’s second career marathon, signalling a rapid rise in the elite long-distance ranks.

She had made her debut over the distance last year at the Ljubljana Marathon in Slovenia, where she impressed with a runner-up finish in 2:23:56 behind Ethiopia’s Tigist Gezahagn (2:22:47).

Sunday’s performance was a continuation of Kipkoech’s upward trajectory following a rollercoaster 2025 campaign.

She had opened her season on shaky ground, finishing ninth at the Ras Al Khaimah Half Marathon in 1:08:48, a race won by Ethiopia’s Ejgayehu Taye in 1:05:52, with Judy Kemboi (1:06:34) and Jesca Chelangat (1:06:53) completing the podium.

However, Kipkoech quickly rediscovered her rhythm on the cross country circuit, storming to victory at the National Cross Country Championships, where she clinched the women’s 10km title in 34:30 ahead of Maurine Chebor (34:33) and Stacey Ndiwa (34:55).

She endured another blip at the Lisbon Half Marathon, placing fifth in 1:07:45, but signed off her season on a high with her podium finish in Ljubljana.

In the men’s race in Hamburg, Morocco’s Othmane El Goumri claimed top honours in 2:04:24, holding off Germany’s Samuel Fitwi (2:04:45), while Kenya’s Kennedy Kimutai secured third in 2:04:56.

Elsewhere, Kenyan athletes stamped their authority at the Gifu Half Marathon in Japan with dominant podium sweeps in both the men’s and women’s races.

Patrick Mosin led a thrilling Kenyan 1-2-3 in the men’s contest, breasting the tape in 1:00:35, just a second clear of Boniface Mulwa (1:00:36) and Geoffrey Toroitich (1:00:37) in a blanket finish.

In the women’s race, Dolphine Omare edged a tightly fought duel to claim victory in 1:07:05, with Janeth Nyiva a heartbeat behind in 1:07:06, as Agnes Mutuku sealed a clean Kenyan podium sweep with third place in 1:07:24.