Kenya's Josephat Kipkurui Sunday won the Athens Classic Marathon, in a race tracing the ancient course that gave name to the event.

The 23-year-old Kipkurui crossed the finish line at the marble Panathenian stadium in Greece in  2 hours, 13 minutes, and 44 seconds after pulling away late from compatriot Edwin Kipchom.

Kipchom finished  second in a time of 2 hours 14 minutes and 18 seconds in a race staged in rainy conditions.

Another Kenyan, Pius Muasa Muthuku came third clocking  2 hours 14 minutes and 39 seconds. Akemi Ozaki of Japan won the womens race in a time of 2 hours 39 minutes and 56 seconds, 1.24 minutes ahead of second placed Degefa Bruktayit Eshetu of Ethiopia.

The race ended at the stadium where the first modern Olympics took place in 1896.

The challenging course follows the route said to have been taken by an Athenian military courier in 490 B.C. to announce the city's victory over Persian invaders at the Battle of Marathon.

Homecoming

Meanwhile, it was pomp and colour as Olympic marathon champion Samwel Wanjiru made his first appearance in his Nyahururu hometown on Saturday during his homecoming party after winning this year's Chicago marathon.

Wanjiru was accorded a heroes welcome in the town to mark the end of a two day tour of Central Province which was sponsored by New KCC Company.

Kamau's entourage which had more than two hundred vehicles snaked its way into the streets of Nyahururu town to the local municipal stadium where he trains.

Thousands of his fans lined up to witness the ceremony which marked his first appearance since he won the race last month. Kamau pocketed 72 million shillings after winning the race.

The athlete attributed his victory to the vigorous training in the high altitude Nyahururu town.

Marathon champion Henry Wanyoike, New KCC chairman Matu Wamae, Nyahururu deputy mayor Irene Wachuka among other local and foreign athletes were present during the homecoming ceremony.