LONDON: Kenya’s world record-holder Wilson Kipsang won the men’s London Marathon in a new unofficial course record of two hours, four minutes and 27 seconds on Sunday as Britain’s Mo Farah toiled on his highly-anticipated debut.

Farah, the world and Olympic 5,000 and 10,000 metres champion, came home eighth as Kipsang secured a second London title despite arriving late in the British capital after his passport was stolen.

The 32-year-old Kenyan completed the 26.2-mile (42.2-kilometer) route 11 seconds inside the previous fastest run in London by Emmanuel Mutai in 2011.

“I was really feeling good and I controlled the guys’’ said Kipsang, who also won the 2012 race.

Compatriot Stanley Biwott was 26 seconds adrift in second, and deposed London champion Tsegaye Kebede was just over two minutes behind Kipsang in third, but it was a disappointing full marathon debut for Farah.

Farah, who was never in contention after dropping behind the leaders from the start, gritted his teeth to cross in 2:08:21, outside the British record.

“I will be back,” Farah told the BBC. “I’m not going to finish it like this. I gave it my all but I’m disappointed I didn’t go out there and give what the crowd deserve.”

Before Kipsang’s dominating performance, there was a sprint finish in the women’s race in front of Buckingham Palace, and two-time world champion Edna Kiplagat won at her fourth attempt.

After twice finishing second in London, the 34-year-old Kenyan completed in 2:20:21 — three seconds ahead of compatriot and namesake, Florence Kiplagat with Ethiopian Tirunesh Dibaba, making her marathon debut after a glittering track career, taking third, 14 seconds behind the winner.

Last year’s London winner Priscah Jeptoo dropped out of the race at around the 25-km mark while Olympic champion Tiki Gelana finished ninth.