Nairobi, Aug 11 (IANS): Song and dance rent the air in the sleepy Kenyan town of Iten when one of its famed residents Edna Kiplagat made history by becoming the first to defend the women's marathon title in Moscow as the World Championships got underway.

Led by husband and coach Gilbert Koech, Kiplagat's family, friends and locals who thronged to her home to watch the final Saturday sat pensive until the last two kilometres when she surged away from Italian Valeria Straneo for victory in 2:25.44 after a gruelling duel that lasted for 35 km, reports Xinhua.

"It was so tense but in the end, we are very happy. I cannot explain the joy, the crowd here is absolutely delighted," Koech, who failed to accompany his spouse to Russia after being denied accreditation.

"What remains for now is to party so hard since her hard work has paid off. God has brought what we did not win in London. I'm so proud of her, so let the party begin," the ecstatic former Las Vegas and San Antonio Marathon champion added.

"There are so many people at our home and for her to do what she has done considering it was very tough brings us so much joy," he added.