Ethiopian runner triumphs in Jerusalem international marathon

Ethiopian athlete Tadesse Dabi won the 42-kilometer full marathon at the fifth annual Jerusalem International Marathon on Friday.

The 26-year-old Dabi outsprinted Raymond Kimutai Bett from Kenya to the cross line in two minutes 18 minutes and 20 seconds.

Bett took the second place in a time of 2:18:27 and his compatriot, John Kipkorir Mutai, came in third with a time of 2:18:31.

Speaking to reporters before the award ceremony, Dabi said that it's difficult to break the record in Jerusalem because of its hilly terrain, but that he felt wonderful to be the winner of the men's race.

"Its my first time to come to Jerusalem to compete in Jerusalem competition ... The road is difficult, hill is very long and down is very long. It makes me feel ill in my legs. In case of that not good, but for I winning it I feel good," he said.

On the women's side, Joan Jepchirchir Kigen from Kenya was crowned with a time of 2:45:55.

The event, which included full marathon, half-marathon, handbike for disabled and other races, attracted some 25,000 participants from some 60 countries and regions.

The competition was held under tight security, with surveillance balloons floating and helicopters hovering in the air over the city.

"In Jerusalem, (in) Israeli terms it's a big event of 25,000 runners and sportsman. We have here deployed something like 1,000 police officers, 600 bodyguards. We made road blocks we have motorcycles, helicopters," said Avshalom Peled, Deputy Commander of the Jerusalem Police District. Endi