Athens - Paul Lekuraa led a Kenyan podium sweep in the Athens Classic Marathon on Sunday, the fifth win in a row for the proud running nation at the event.

Lekuraa edged Julius Kiprotich for victory, with both timed on 2 hours 12 minutes 42 seconds. Paul Kogo completed the sweep in 2:12:49 hours.

Superfast times are not possible on the hilly course over 42.195 kilometres from Marathon to Athens' Panathinaikon stadium which was run for the first time at the inaugural modern Olympics in 1896. (dpa)