SYDNEY :Olympic champion Sifan Hassan and Ethiopian Hailemaryam Kiros both ran course record times to win the titles at the Sydney Marathon on Sunday as the race entered a new era as part of the World Marathon Majors series.

Dutchwoman Hassan crossed the line at the city's Opera House in two hours 18 minutes and 22 seconds, well clear of former world record holder Brigid Kosgei of Kenya with last year's champion Workenesh Edesa third.

In the men's race, Kiros broke clear of the leading pack with Addisu Gobena at about the 30km (18.6-mile) mark and outsprinted his compatriot to win in 2.06.06. Gobena was second while Tebello Ramakongoana of Lesotho was a third.

Kenyan marathon great Eliud Kipchoge, who turned 40 last year, dropped off the leading pack when the two Ethiopians broke away a

See Full Page