The 2018 World Half Marathon bronze medallist, Eunice Chumba made her experience count as she won the 4th edition of the Abu Dhabi Marathon held on Saturday (17) in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
The 29 year-old who was trying his luck for the fourth time since this race inception in 2018 where she finished as a runner-up and finished fourth in 2019. The Kenyan born Bahraini was again runner-up last year after the 2020 event was cancelled following the Covid-19 pandemic.
Chumba who faced a stiff challenge from the reigning Amsterdam marathon champion, Angela Tanui from Kenya who was also the fastest athlete on paper with a time of 2:17.57 and Rio Olympics marathon bronze medallist, Mare Dibaba from Ethiopia.
Chumba who came to this race with the third fastest time on paper of 2:20.02, pulled away from the two as they could not keep up with her powerful kick when she accelerated her speed with 2km remaining to foreg ahead and cut the tape in a time of 2:20.41 with Tanui coming home in second in 2:21.14.
“I tried to win this race for Bahrain from my first visit to Abu Dhabi and I have finally managed to fulfil that dream in my fourth attempt,” said Chumba.
“It was a very challenging race with Angela and Mare, who have both run better than my personal best time. We raced together for a long time and it wasn’t until the final five kilometres of the race that I felt I could win.
“I tried my best to better my personal best time but just couldn’t do that. Perhaps on another day and another race. Having said that, I’m just delighted to win in Abu Dhabi.”
The 2015 World women marathon champion (Dibaba) was left with no option but to settle in third place in a time of 2:21.25.
LEADING RESULTS
42KM WOMEN
- Eunice Chumba (BAH) 2:20.41
- Angela Tanui (KEN) 2:21.14
- Mare Dibaba (ETH) 2:21.25
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