Stephen Kiprop won the 13th edition of Ras Al Khaimah (RAK) half marathon held today in a race dominated by Ethiopians.
Former Barcelona marathon champion Valary Aiyabei Jemeli was the first Kenyan to cross the finish line in 5th position as Ethiopians swept the podium in a 1-2-3-4 positions on women category.
Little known Kiprop clocked 58:42 to calim the title ahead of Ethiopia’s Abadi Hadis (58:44) folowed by compatriot Fikadu Haftu (59:08).
It was all Ethiopian sweep in women’s race as Jemeli, the reigning Beijing marathon champion was in 5th position.
Ethiopia’s Senbere Teferi 65:45 defeated race favourite and world half marathon champion Netsanet Gudeta (65:45) to second position as Zeineba Yimer (65:46) came third with Degitu Azimeraw (66:07) in fourth in an all Ethiopian encounter.
Jemeli (66:1) in 5th place led former world half marathon record holder Peres Jepchirchir (67:36) to sixth as former world half marathon bronze medalist Paskalia Kipkoech Jepkorir was in 7th position timing (67:38) before Naomi Jebet in 68:19
Results
Men
- Stephen Kiprop (KEN)-58:42
- Abadi Hadis (ETH)-58:44
- Fikadu Haftu (ETH)-59:08
- Julien Wanders (SUI)-59:13
- Morris Gachaga (KEN)-59:22
- Mule Wasihum (ETH)_59″34
- Daniel Kipchuma (KEN)-59:36
women
- Senbere Teferi (ETH)-65:45
- Netsanet Gudeta (ETH)-65:45
- Zeineba Yimer (ETH)-65:46
- Degitu Azimeraw (ETH)-66:07
- Valary Aiyabei Jemeli (KEN)-66:14
- Peres Jepchirchir (KEN)-67:36
- Paskalia Kipkoech Jepkorir (KEN)-67:38
- Naomi Jebet (KEN)- 68:19