Kenya’s Rhonzas Lokitam Kilimo and Ethiopia’s Bizuager Aderra emerged victorious at the 47th Istanbul Marathon on Sunday, continuing East Africa’s dominance in long-distance running. Kilimo clocked 2:10:12 to win the men’s race, outpacing Ethiopians Dejene Debela and Sufaro Woliyi Kebato, who finished second and third respectively. In the women’s division, Bizuager Aderra claimed victory with a time of 2:26:19, followed by her compatriot Sofia Assefa Abebe and Kenya’s Joan Jepkosgei Kilimo.
More than 41,000 runners from 126 countries participated in this year’s event, which featured four race categories, including the full 42-kilometre marathon. The Istanbul Marathon is renowned as the only race in the world that spans two continents, starting on the Asian side of the city and finishing in Europe after crossing the iconic Bosphorus Bridge.
