Sergey Kirdyapkin has claimed Russia’s third gold in Berlin, as the Russian won the 50-kilometre walk at the 12th IAAF World Championships.

Kirdyapkin overcame a sticky period just past the half-way mark. Ten kilometers into the race the long-distance walker from Russia was still 36 seconds behind leaders, but dug deep to overtake his rivals by more than two-and-a-half minutes to claim the fastest time this year.

Despite posting a Norwegian record, Trond Nymark could only take second with a time of three hours, 41 minutes and 16 seconds.

Spain's Jesus Angel Garcia wasn't far behind, crossing the line 21 seconds later to take the bronze.

Kirdyapkin’s success ranks as Russia’s third top-spot finish at this year’s event. Curiously enough, the two previous gold medals were also earned by walkers Olga Kaniskina and Valery Borchin as they won in every single walk discipline. The country’s other athletes are still pushing for there first gold medal.