Marathon: From Beirut to Athens, several African runners shine on the roads
Several marathons took place on Sunday. Once again, African athletes proved untouchable.
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Another fine weekend for Africa's marathon runners. On roads around the world, they left their mark and added their names to the winners' lists. At the Nanchang marathon in China, Ethiopians took a one-two. Workneh Tesfa Tiruneh won in 2:09:35 ahead of his compatriot Mulugeta Birhanu Feyissa (2:09:56). Kenya's Edwin Kipngetich Koech completed the podium (2:10:36). Also in China, but in Nanjing, Kenya's Sammy Kitwara won the marathon in 2:10:48, ahead of China's Yin Shunjin (2:13:46).
In Athens, too, a 42 km marathon was run. Kenyans Edwin Kiptoo (2:10:34) and Rhonzai Lokitam Kilimo (2:12:36) took the top two places respectively. They finished ahead of Rwanda's Félicien Muhitira (2:12:36). Finally, in Beirut, Lebanon, Ethiopians dominated. Gadissa Tafa Dekeba took first place (2:10:34) and Gojam Belayneh Ayaye second (2:12:56).
In the women's races, too, African runners put on a show. Rwanda's Clémentine Mukandanga won the half marathon in Ravenna, Italy. She covered the 21 km in 1:10:49, ahead of Kenyans Teresiah Kwamboka Omosa (1:10:53) and Patrober Jepchirchir Kosgei (1:11:05). In Dubai, in the United Arab Emirates, there was an outright Ethiopian clean sweep: Bikile Teferi (1:19:21), Gutene Shanko (1:19:27) and Lemlem Girmay (1:19:47).