Kenya’s Rhonzas Lokitam Kilimo and Ethiopia’s Bizuager Aderra have emerged as the top winners of the 47th Istanbul Marathon, which took place on Sunday. Kilimo secured the first position in the men’s category with a time of 2 hours, 10 minutes, and 12 seconds, outpacing Ethiopian runners Dejene Debela and Sufaro Woliyi Kebato.
In the women’s division, Aderra claimed the top spot with a time of 2 hours, 26 minutes, and 19 seconds, followed by her compatriot Sofia Assefa Abebe and Kenya’s Joan Jepkosgei Kilimo. This dominance by Kenyan and Ethiopian athletes is not unusual, as both countries have a strong track record of producing world-class long-distance runners. In recent years, Kenyan runners have won both male and female races at the Boston Marathon, while Ethiopian athletes have swept to victory in the Berlin Marathon.
The Istanbul Marathon, which attracted over 41,000 participants from 126 countries, is unique in that it takes place on two continents. Runners start the race on the Asian side of the city and then cross to Europe via the Bosphorus Bridge, making it a significant logistical and athletic challenge. The event features four categories, including the 42km marathon, which is the most popular among participants.
The Istanbul Marathon has become a major international sporting event, with runners from around the world competing for top honors. The event’s unique format, which spans two continents, adds to its appeal and makes it a significant achievement for participants. With its rich history and global participation, the Istanbul Marathon continues to be an important fixture on the international athletics calendar.
The success of Kenyan and Ethiopian athletes in the marathon is a testament to the strength of their training programs and the depth of talent in both countries. As the athletics world looks to the future, it will be interesting to see how these countries continue to perform on the global stage. With the Istanbul Marathon now behind us, attention will turn to upcoming events, including the Boston and Berlin Marathons, where African athletes are likely to feature prominently once again.
Additional sources: Daily Sabah, Anadolu Agency.