Ethiopians rule Delhi roads

New Delhi, October 21 

Debutant Tsehay Gemechu smashed the course record in the women’s elite event, while Andamalak Belihu overcame stiff competition in the men’s elite field as the Ethiopians raced to top honours at the Delhi Half Marathon here today.

The 20-year-old Gemechu, running her maiden half marathon, clocked 1 hour, 6 minutes, 50 seconds to better Kenyan Mary Keitany’s 2009 record by four seconds.

“I wasn’t expecting to win,” Gemechu said. “It was a trial for me as this is the first time I ran a half marathon. I am delighted that I won against such a famous athlete.” 

Current half marathon world record holder, Joyciline Jepkosgei, finished with the silver medal in 1:06:56.

“I am happy for the second spot. I didn’t prepare for this race well,” Jepkosgei said. “I have recently changed my programme, which is focussed on the marathon.”

Zeineba Yimer of Ethiopia grabbed the bronze medal in 1:06:59. Triple Olympics gold medallist Tirunesh Dibaba had a forgettable race. Fatigue caught up with her as she strayed from the pack from the beginning and finished sixth.

In the men’s category, last year’s silver medallist Belihu improved on his personal best, clocking 59 minutes, 18 seconds to win the gold. 

Ethiopian Amdework Walelegn clinched the silver in 59:22. Kenya’s Daniel Kipchumba grabbed the third spot in 59:48.

“I tried to push for the record but it was difficult,” Belihu said. “I tried to push the pace-setter as well but it is difficult to run alone.”

The gold medallists pocketed $27,000 each, while Gemechu will take home an additional $10,000 for breaking the record.

Pal best among Indians 

Abhishek Pal was the best-placed among the Indians, finishing in 1:04:14, followed by 22-year-old Avinash Sable and Gopi T. 

Sanjivani Jadhav was the best Indian in the women’s elite field, finishing in 1:13:58. Parul Chaudhary was second in 1:14:01. Monika Athare was third in 1:16:55. The men’s and women’s winners among the Indians pocketed Rs 4 lakh each. — PTI