The New Zealand distance runner Kimberley Smith has qualified for next year's London Olympics after finishing fifth in this morning's New York Marathon but despite coming within 25 seconds of her New Zealand record, she wasn't entirely happy with her race.
After running conservatively at the start Smith closed in on the leaders in the final stages coming home in an impressive time of 2 hours 25 minutes 46 seconds.
Despite booking her ticket to next year's London Games and beating a host of Olympic rivals, Smith wasn't completely satisfied with this morning's result.
The race was won by Ethiopian Firehiwot Dado followed by compatriot Buzenesh Deba with Kenya's Mary Ketany third.
Smith's time was well under the 2 hours 32 minutes required for London Olympic selection.
Kenya's Geoffrey Mutai won the men's title in a course record two hours, five minutes and six seconds.
The 29-year-old Mutai ran the fastest marathon time ever in this year's Boston event, a tick over two hours 3 minutes, and in New York this morning he headed home the reigning London marathon champion Emmanuel Mutai.
