Kenya earned its fourth and fifth medals in five Games, with Abel Kirui's silver and Wilson Kipsang's bronze.

In the first 5 miles (8.0 km), Brazilian runner Franck Caldeira broke away on two occasions, only to get swallowed up by the pack.

At the 22 miles (35 km) marker, Kiprotich touched his leg as if he were struggling and he fell back a few seconds.

Kiprotich extended his lead by 9 seconds and picked up a Ugandan flag before crossing the finish line.

The 2004 silver medalist Meb Keflezighi of the United States, who had not competed in Beijing, also returned.

His countryman Patrick Makau Musyoki had set the world record in 2011, but could not finish the 2012 London Marathon due to injury and was not selected for the Kenyan team.

The marathon distance of 26 miles, 385 yards was run over a course that started and finished on The Mall in central London.