Morocco's Khannouchi breaks world marathon record in chicago

Rachid Khannouchi on Sunday braved Chicago's icy weather not only to win the city's prestigious marathon but to shatter the World record and become the first Moroccan athlete to succeed such a feast.

Khannouchi, who has been living in the USA since 1993, timed 2H05:42, improved by 23 seconds the former record, set in 1998 by Brazil's Ronaldo Da Costa.

"It was awfully cold and I did not think I could break a World record," Khannouchi said.

The Moroccans said the attempt of Kenyan challenger, Moses Tanui, to escape early was of great help to him. "I was sure that I can catch up with him," he said.

The victory earned the Moroccan $ 165,000 and a Volkswagen Beetle car.