Atsede Baysa and Lemi Berhanu Hayle win Boston Marathon

Omnisports

April 18, 2016 1:35 AM

Atsede Baysa and Lemi Berhanu Hayle completed an Ethiopia double by winning the Boston Marathon on Monday.

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Atsede Baysa and Lemi Berhanu Hayle won the Boston Marathon to complete an Ethiopia double on Monday.

Baysa has twice been crowned Chicago Marathon and Paris Marathon champion and added victory in Boston to her list of accomplishments to end the dominance of Kenyan women in the prestigious race.

The women's event had been won by a Kenyan athlete in each of the last five years, but a time of two hours 29 minutes and 19 seconds was enough for Baysa to end that sequence.

Baysa, 29, produced a great display of long-distance running to pass compatriot Tirfi Tsegaye two miles from home, having been more than 30 seconds back with under than five miles remaining.

Tsegaye finished second, with Joyce Chepkirui of Kenya taking third place. Last year's winner Caroline Rotich pulled out of the race just five miles in due to injury.

Hayle was able to savour the biggest marathon win of his career in the 120th running of the famous race.

The 21-year-old broke away a mile from the finish line and there was no catching him, as he won in a time of 2:12.44.

Lelisa Desisa and Yemane Adhane Tsegay ensured it was an all-Ethiopian podium on a memorable day for the African nation.

Omnisports

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