Kenyan, Ethiopian take trophies of Belgrade marathon

Runners from Kenya and Ethiopia took the golden trophies in the 28th Belgrade Marathon held here on Saturday.

Silas Kipngetich Sang from Kenya braved rain and wind and finished the 42-kilometer-long track in 2:14:43, while Ethiopian Abebu Gelan Adugna in female race made it in 2:33:12.

The world record for men is 2:02:57, set by Dennis Kimetto of Kenya on Sept. 28, 2014, and for women is 2:15:25, set by Paula Radcliffe of the United Kingdom on April 13, 2003.

It was the first marathon race for Adugna, who said she was extremely happy and surprised that she had won it.

"Belgrade is very lovely, and it will maybe change my life", Adugna said, adding that the rain was a big problem for her especially in the beginning of the race.

Sang also said that rain and wind prevented him from achieving even better result.

"It was a bit difficult because it was raining all the way, but we planned to run the best we can", Sang said, adding that his best result is five minutes faster than his winning time in Belgrade.

"This is not my best result, but I am pleased", Sang said, adding he will come to Belgrade next year.

Some 4,500 competitors from 56 countries participated the marathon on Saturday. Enditem