Kenyan and Ethiopian athletes have won in both the men’s and women’s races in Madrid Marathon.
Ethiopia’s started chasing a win not long after the start of the 42-kilometre course — extending his lead consistently.
However, he faltered in the last 7 kilometres — suffering from heat stroke and hamstring strain in his left thigh. Putting in a final effort, he won the second race of his career.
Mitku Tafa was closely followed by fellow Ethiopian Fikre Bekele, and Kenyan runner, Douglas Chebii, who came in third. Tafa won the race in 2 hours – 8 minutes — and 58 seconds.
The 2023 Nairobi City Marathon champion Naom Jebet secured her first international marathon win in Madrid in the women’s race.
The runner was in the solo lead on the final stretch of her win as well, finishing with a time of two hours, 26 minutes and 20 seconds – 44 seconds faster than Ethiopia’s Bontu Bekele who finished second.
Another Ethiopian Kebene Chala also put an outstanding perfomance and finished in the third place.
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