Ethiopian runners emerged victorious in the men’s and women’s category at the 2023 Osaka Marathon that concluded on Sunday in Osaka, Japan.
Hailemaryam Kiros came out top in the men’s category with a time of 2:06:01, while another Ethiopian Helen Bekele triumphed in the women’s category with a time of 2:22:16.
The 24 year old Kiros had to be at his best to outsprint Uganda’s Victor Kiplangat to the finishing line. Kiplangat who won gold at the Commonwealth Games in the 2022 Birmingham finished second with a time of 2:06:03, while Tanzania’s Aiphone Felix Simbu came third.
“I am glad that after hard work I have won this race against very competitive runners,” said a happy Kiros after the race.
In the women’s category another Ethiopian Beyenu Degefa finished second with a time of 2:23:07, while Momoko Watanabe (Japan) came third with a time of 2:23:08. Kenya’s Vovian Kiplagat managed 7th place in a time of 2:28:44.
Bekele, who ran a record on the meet said she was happy to run a fine race with an excellent time. “This is just the beginning, I look forward to performing well in other marathons in the season,” added Bekele.
The Osaka Marathon attracted other elite runners from Australia, USA, Morocco, Eritrea, South Africa, Italy, Spain and Mongolia among others.
