Eliud Kipchoge’s reign as King of the London marathon came to an end on Sunday, after he lost the race, finishing eighth ( 2:06:49), the second slowest time of his career.

Ethiopia’s Kitata won the race in two hours, five minutes, and 41 seconds with Kenya’s Vincent Kipchumba finishing second at two hours, five minutes, and 42 seconds.

Kipchoge attributed the loss to a hearing problem but was quick to add that it’s sports and winning and losing is part of it.

“After 25 kilometers my ear blocked and it couldn’t open anymore. But this is how sport is, we should accept defeat and focus for the winning next time. Thanks for the support,”. Kipchoge said in a tweet.

Kipchoge was beaten for the first time since he came second in Berlin in 2013.

Brigid Kosgei Wins London Marathon

Defending champion Brigid Kosgei is the 2020 women’s London Marathon winner. She crossed the line in 2:18:58.

world champion Ruth Chepngetich finished third in the race after America’s Sara Hall who came in second at 2:22:01.