After early surges the race came down to 4 runners from 21km; Stephen Kiprotich (UGA), Ethiopian Abshero (ETH) and 2 Kenyans, Abel Kirui, and

2011 & 2012 london marathon winner Wilson (Kipsang) Kiprotich.

Abshero, who ran 2:04:23 in his debut marathon looked to be Ethiopias best chance, but he began to falter as the speed increased after 25km.

With 7km remaining it looked as if Kenya might claim gold & silver as the Ugandan began to fall away but a decisive surge with only 5.5km remaining saw him quickly close the gap and open up a small lead on the Kenyans. In a matter of 2mins of racing the tables had turned & the Kenyans began to look uncomfortable as Stephen Kiprotich increased the pace and extended his lead. In the final kilometers Kiprotich of Uganda further extended his lead for an historic gold medal win, beating Abel Kirui by 25seconds.

Kirui finished in 2:08:26 to win silver while compatriot Wilson Kipsang Kiprotich finished in 2:09:37 for the bronze medal .

Australian Michael Shelley had a great run to fly through the field and finish in 16th with a time of 2:14:09. Shelley was in 67th position at half way before a strong finish beating the highly favoured Kenyan Emmanual Mutai (finishing 17th) in a well executed race plan. Coach Dick Telford should be very happy with the great showing by the Australian team. Martin Dent also had a strong 2nd half to the race as he finished in 28th (2:16:29), after sitting in 69th at the half way mark. Jeff hunt finished in 2:22:58 as all 3 Australians completed a memorable finish to the London Olympics.

Michael Hennessy

Director, OUTFIT Health + Fitness

• Read more running blogs from Michael Hennessey
• Visit OUTFIT health + fitness