On the roads this past weekend, Kenyans shone. After outstanding efforts, they signed and won all of the half-marathons. Ethiopia was notable as well.
Kenya finished first and second in the United Arab Emirates Ras Al Khaimah Half Marathon. Road racing under the Gold Label of World Athletics. Hellen Obiri won in 1h05mn05s for her second appearance of the year. The Ethiopian Gotytom Gebreslase, the second-place finisher in the 5000m, is 44 seconds behind the two-time world champion. The final podium spot belongs to an Ethiopian. In 1h06mn04s, Ftaw Zeray is in third place.
Eliud Kipchoge’s nation signed a hat-trick of male signatures. Benard Kibet Koech (58mn45s), who is a fellow countryman, prevails after a close race, defeating Daniel Mateiko by four seconds (58mn49s). In 59 min. 37 sec., Richard Yator completes the podium.
Charles Kipkurui Langat won the men’s competition in 58 min 53 sec. He is ahead of Solomon Kirwa Yego and Ethiopia’s Birhanu Legese (58mn59s) (59mn29s).
The Zurich Maraton of Seville, which was held on Sunday (19) on one of the flattest circuits in the world, was won by Ethiopian Gadisa Shumie and Kenyan Jackline Chelal. Chelal and Shumie each set significant records in the time frames of 2h20mn29 and 2h04mn59, respectively. With a time of 2h23mn05s, Urge Diro comes in third.
Six guys finished in sub 2:06:00 in the men’s event, which had a strong field. This time, Ethiopia is the author of a hat trick. In 2h04mn59s, Gadisa Shumie wins the competition. In 2h05mn19s, Kabede Wami came in second place. In 2h05mn24s, Mekuant Ayenew finished first on the podium.