Zersenay Tadese Secures Third Half Marathon Title
Zersenay Tadese rushed forward and cleared after 10 km to secure a third successive World Half Marathon title in Birmingham. Eritrean lowered the championship record he shared with Shem Kororia by 21 seconds to finish in 59 minutes and 35 seconds. Kenyan Bernard Kipyego along with Andrew Lemoncello chased Tadese.
Kenyan leading Mary Keitany easily won the women’s title from start to finish. Keitany smashed the championship record of Britains’s Paula Radcliffe who missed the race with tonsillitis in one hour six minutes and 36 seconds. However, Teammate Philes Ongori who passed Aberu Kebede in closing stage finished in 1 hr 7mins and 38 seconds. Kenya claimed the team title, Ethiopia second followed by Russia in third position. Claire Hallissey the British women in 25th position finished seventh in team standing. Britain men finished 14th with Kenya winning a fourth successive team title. Coach Ian Stewart said UK athletics did very well finishing seventh. It is a young team with lots to learn. He added saying he was bit disappointed with men’s team position. Andy Lemoncolla had a great run however, few of the athletes could have done better it was a learning curve.
Fuente: Daily Sports News
