By Ram. Murali Krishnan
NEW DELHI (09–Nov) -- It was a close and fast contest.
The fourth edition of the Delhi Half-Marathon had all the ingredients for the runners to deliver their best. Set to run on ideal cool weather conditions under the November smog in the Indian capital, the African runners once again proved their mettle by showing endurance and elegance on Delhi's roads.
Started as the Hutch Delhi Half-Marathon in 2005, the event saw the domination of Kenyan runners in the initial two years before witnessing Rwandan Dieudonne Disi and Ethiopian Derebe Alemu power to victory in 2007. Motivated by Alemu’s scintillating display, Ethiopian runners took the lead on today’s race from the beginning. Ironically the men’s victor, Deriba Merga, has equaled Haile Gebrselassie’s world leading time for the year by crossing the finish line in 59:15. Merga, who missed an Olympic medal at Beijing by one place, did a gallant effort to finish just few metres ahead of Kenyan Wilson Kipsang, who clocked 59:16 for the second spot. Another Kenyan, Wilson Chebet, finished third and also dipped under 60 minutes, in 59:34.
Merga's compatriots Aselech Mergia and Genet Getanah made it an Ethiopian double by finishing 1-2 amongst women. Mergia clocked a course record 68:17, just a second faster than compatriot Getanah for the top spot. Kenya’s Peninah Arusei, who made some initial lead, had to be content with the third place in 68:20.
Both the winners took a prize purse of USD 25,000 each.
Top Results:
MEN:
Deriba Merga (ETH) 59:15; Wilson Kipsang (Ken) 59:16; Wilson Chebet (KEN) 59:34; Regassa Tilahun (Jr/ETH) 1:00:28; Tadesse Tola (ETH) 1:00:45; Dieudonne Disi (RWA) 1:00:47; Kiplimo Kimutai (KEN) 1:00:58; Joseph Maregu (KEN) 1:01:03; Eshetu Wondimu (ETH) 1:01:04; William Chebon Chebor (KEN) 1:01:17.
WOMEN:
Asefelech Mergia (ETH) 1:08:17; Genet Getanah (ETH) 1:08:18; Peninah Arusei (KEN) 1:08:20; Atsede Habtamu (ETH) 1:09:37; Ashim Kasim (ETH) 1:10:19; Tiki Gelana (ETH) 1:10:22; Pauline Njeri (KEN) 1:10:23; Mare Dibaba (ETH) 1:10:28; Pauline Wangui (KEN) 1:10:36; Tigist Tufa (ETH) 1:10:41.
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