Ethiopia runners dominate the Prague Marathon

Lemi Berhanu Hayle and Bertukan Welde Sura win the 30th Orlen Prague Marathon

The 30th anniversary of the Orlen Prague Marathon saw Ethiopian athletes dominate both elite categories.

Defending his title, the winner of last year, Lemi Berhanu Hayle, once again triumphed in the race that began and ended in the Old Town Plaza in Prague. In the women’s career, his compatriot Bertukan Welde Sura claimed the general victory.

The conditions were favorable to run on Sunday (May 4), with temperatures around 15 ° C, although the runners faced strong winds against certain sections of the course.

Lemi Berhanu Hayle separated from his main group about two thirds of the race and crossed the end at 2:05:14, the second time faster in the history of the Prague Marathon, only five seconds from the course record.

“I am very happy to win here for the second time. The wind was a challenge in some areas, but I tried to maintain an optimal course,” said Hayle.

Kenia Felix Kipkoech arrived in second place and Tetsuya Yoroizaka of Japan occupied third place. The bronze medalist in the Asian championships in 3000m and 10000m managed to finish a complete marathon in less than 2:10 for the fourth time in his career.

The turning point in the women’s race was advanced to the 30 km mark, with a crucial getaway. Bertukan Welte Sura, who ran much of the course with some of the best Czech corridors, won with 2:20:55, improving his best personal brand in 59 seconds. The second and third place went to Kenya’s stars: Evaline Chirchir was second, followed by Pascalia Chepkogei in third place.

The Orlen Prague Marathon was also the host of the National Marathon Championship. Yann Havlena, 24, claimed his first national title at 2:21:12, surpassing Vít Pavlišta, who won his 38th National Medal.

In the women’s race, the two -time Olympic Tereza Hrocovah dominated and won his first marathon title of the National Championship at 2:34:04, ending about eight minutes before the field and placing the seventh place in general. Petra Pastorová assured Plata, while Eva Filipiová Tok Bronze.