Ethiopian distance runner Addisu Gobena (© Getty Images)
Ethiopia's Addisu Gobena and Wede Kefale overcame hot and humid conditions to claim victories at the Bank of China Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge Half Marathon, a World Athletics Platinum Label road race, on Sunday (15).
Gobena dominated the men's race to win in 1:01:35, while Kefale prevailed in a much closer women's contest in 1:09:04, as temperatures reached 28°C on the undulating course.
The 22-year-old Gobena, who broke the Sydney Marathon course record with 2:04:42 in August, continued his impressive season by finishing almost a minute clear of his nearest rival.
Gobena, who passed through 10km in 28:43, crossed the line 56 seconds ahead of compatriot Aliyi Kasim, who clocked 1:02:31 on his half marathon debut. Kenya's Alex Lenalepisho, also making his debut over the distance, took third in 1:02:50, followed by Morocco's Othmane El Goumri (1:03:09) and Kenya's Abel Kiplimo (1:03:34).
Ethiopia’s 2021 Olympic 10,000m champion Selemon Barega, one of the pre-race favourites, was among those who did not finish.
The women's race was considerably tighter, with just 12 seconds separating the first three finishers.
Kefale, who entered the race with a PB of 1:05:21, secured her first half marathon victory in six attempts, winning in 1:09:04, seven seconds ahead of South Africa's Glenrose Xaba.
Ethiopia's Fantu Worku was third in 1:09:16, with compatriots Baraky Redae (1:09:53) and Asmarech Anley (1:10:23) completing the top five.
Kefale acknowledged that the heat, wind and undulating course had made fast running difficult, but said she was pleased to secure her first victory over the distance.
Defending champion Grace Nawowuna of Kenya was another high-profile non-finisher.
The event, staged on the Hong Kong section of the bridge linking Hong Kong, Zhuhai and Macao, attracted approximately 8000 half marathon runners, with a further 2000 taking part in a newly introduced 10km race.
Leading results
Women
1 Wede Kefale (ETH) 1:09:04
2 Glenrose Xaba (RSA) 1:09:11
3 Fantu Worku (ETH) 1:09:16
4 Baraky Redae (ETH) 1:09:53
5 Asmarech Anley (ETH) 1:10:23
6 Miriam Chebet (KEN) 1:11:08
7 Fatima Ezzahra Birdaha (MAR) 1:11:25
8 Daisy Jepkemei (KAZ) 1:11:45
9 Zewudie Wudu (ETH) 1:12:10
10 Priscah Jepleting Cherono (KEN) 1:12:31.
Men
1 Addisu Gobena (ETH) 1:01:35
2 Aliyi Kasim (ETH) 1:02:31
3 Alex Lenalepisho (KEN) 1:02:50
4 Othmane El Goumri (MAR) 1:03:09
5 Abel Kiplimo (KEN) 1:03:34
6 Ezra Kipketer Tanui (KEN) 1:05:35
7 Tafere Adisu (ETH) 1:05:37
8 Meshack Kipkirchir (KEN) 1:06:04
9 Benard Kipkorir (KEN) 1:06:16
10 Sena Ledama (KEN) 1:06:23.
