Hellen Obiri bided her time and then struck to pull away from a star-studded women's lead pack that included American Emma Bates.

Sharon Lokedi got a huge win for herself and Under Armour as well as Hellen Obiri's debut fizzleed the final few miles. Aliphine Tuliamuk was first American.

The women are shooting to break the CR and 2:20 barrier. Salpeter faces last year's winner Meskerem Assefa (2:20:36). Mekonnen faces seven other sub-2:08 men including masters WR holder Mark Kiptoo (2:06:00).

The women's marathon is full of some studs - including some studs the World Marathon Majors don't seen to want to touch - like the third fastest women's marathoner in history - Ruth Chepngetich.