Ethiopia’s Birhanu Legese won the Berlin half marathon on Sunday as African runners dominated the top ten finishers in the men’s race.
Legese came home in a winning time of 59 mins 45 seconds having held off the challenge of Kenya’s David Kogei, who finished just a second behind, and fellow Kenyan Abraham Cheroben, who crossed the line three seconds back in third.
In the women’s race, Kenya’s Cynthia Chepchirchir Kosgei won in one hour, 10 mins and 52 seconds with compatriot Elizeba Cherono second at four seconds back and Sweden’s Isabellah Andersson in third at 39 seconds back.
Men
1. Birhanu Legese (ETH) 59min 01sec
2. David Kogei (KEN) 59:46
3. Abraham Cheroben (KEN) 59:49
4. Richard Mengich (KEN) 59:59
5. Abraham Kipyatich (KEN) 1:00.03
Women
1. Cynthia Chepchirchir Kosgei (KEN) 1hr 10:52 mins
2. Elizeba Cherono (KEN) 1:10.56
3. Isabellah Andersson (SWE) 1:11.31
4. Anita Baierl (AUT) 1:13.23
5. Esther Hidalgo (ESP) 1:14.13