Korir is third male athlete to secure at least three elite titles, including 2013 and 2015, with Kiplagat becoming event’s oldest female winner at 41 years, 8 months

By Erik Boal, DyeStat Editor

Leonard Korir became one of only three male athletes in event history to win at least three times and the third appearance was the charm for Edna Kiplagat, who became the oldest female competitor to triumph Saturday at the 47th edition of the Quad-City Times Bix 7 in Davenport, Iowa.

Korir, representing the U.S. Army World Class Athlete Program, held off a late surge from Frank Lara of Roots Running Project to prevail in 32 minutes, 48 seconds, adding to his victories in 2013 and 2015. Lara clocked 32:49, with Augustus Maiyo placing third in 33:07 and Colin Bennie finishing fourth in 33:18.

John Korir, no relation to Leonard, has won the most men’s Bix 7 titles with five and Silas Kipruto has secured three victories.

Kiplagat, a 2012 Kenyan Olympian and 2017 Boston Marathon winner, pulled away from PUMA first-year professional athletes and training partners Taylor Werner and Fiona O’Keeffe in the final mile to emerge victorious among all female athletes in 37:17 and place 16th overall.

Werner, who won her first national title at the USATF 6km Championships on June 17 in Canton, Ohio, was second in the women’s competition in 37:23 and 19th overall, with O’Keeffe taking third in 37:34 and finishing 21st overall. Diane Nukuri ran 37:59 to finish fourth among the elite female entries and 27th overall.

Kiplagat eclipsed the mark of the oldest female winner previously held by 2008 champion Edith Masai, who ran 37:20 at 41 years, three months.

Kiplagat, who finished sixth in 2003 and fourth in 2005, was 41 years, eight months Saturday.