Istanbul Half Marathon: Kenya and Ethiopia dominate

The 20th edition of the Istanbul Half Marathon turned into a show of African strength on Sunday, with a Kenyan winner in both the men's and women's races and 100% African podiums in both categories.

Alex Matata made a strong statement in the men's race, winning in 59 minutes 40 seconds despite windy conditions in Turkey's economic capital. The Kenyan pulled clear of his rivals from the 7th kilometre and went on alone to post the 3rd best performance in the history of the race. At the finish, he finished ahead of Ethiopia's Berehanu Tsegu and his compatriot Shadrack Kipkurui.

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In the women's race, Miriam Chebet pulled off a surprise by overtaking defending champion Sheila Chelangat in the closing metres. Winning in 1 hour 6 minutes and 7 seconds, Chebet set the 4th best time at the Istanbul Half Marathon. Behind her, Ethiopia's Chelangat and fellow Kenyan Judy Kemboi completed the podium. Beyond the winners, Kenya and Ethiopia dominated the overall standings, hogging the top places in both the men's and women's races, with an exclusively African top 10 in the women's field.

Men's top 10

1. Alex Matata (Kenya) - 59:40

2. Berehanu Tsegu (Ethiopia) - 1:00:47

3. Shadrack Kipkurui (Kenya) - 1:01:28

4. Mathew Samperu (Kenya) - 1:01:32

5. Sezgin Atac (Turkey) - 1:01:49

6. Aaron Bienenfeld (Germany) - 1:02:14

7. Laban Kipkemboi (Kenya) - 1:02:34

8. Gemechu Bute (Ethiopia) - 1:02:35

9. Silas Chepkwony (Kenya) - 1:03:47

10. Ali Kaya (Turkey) - 1:04:52

Women's top 10

1. Miriam Chebet (Kenya) - 1:06:07

2. Sheila Chelangat (Ethiopia) - 1:06:13

3. Judy Kemboi (Kenya) - 1:07:47

4. Daisilah Jerono (Kenya) - 1:08:17

5. Rebecca Chepkwemoi (Kenya) - 1:08:40

6. Gete Alemayehu (Kenya) - 1:08:42

7. Bekelech Borecha (Ethiopia) - 1:08:59

8. Hiwot Gebremaryam (Ethiopia) - 1:10:04

9. Betelihem Yemer (Ethiopia) - 1:10:10

10. Milicent Jelimo (Kenya) - 1:10:25

Malick BAMBA