Somali Magazine Tens of thousands of runners competed in the Madrid Marathon on Sunday (April 28).
Kenyan and Ethiopian competitors dominated both the men’s and women’s races.
Ethiopia’s began seeking a victory shortly after the start of the 42-kilometer circuit, constantly increasing his advantage.
However, he struggled in the last 7 miles, suffering from heat stroke and a hamstring problem on his left leg. He won the second race of his career after making a last-ditch attempt.
Mitku Tafa was closely followed by Ethiopian Fikre Bekele and Kenyan runner Douglas Chebii, who finished third.
Tafa won the race in 2 hours, 8 minutes, and 58 seconds.
Naom Jebet, the 2023 Nairobi City Marathon winner, won her first international marathon in Madrid’s women’s event.
The runner was also in the solitary lead on the closing stretch of her triumph, completing it in two hours, 26 minutes, and 20 seconds, 44 seconds faster than Ethiopia’s Bontu Bekele, who finished second.
Fellow Ethiopian Kebene Chala came in third place.