Double World 5000m Champion, Hellen Obiri was beaten to second place by the World U20 5000m bronze medallists Girmawit Gebrzihair from Ethiopia at the 15th edition of the Ras Al Khaimah Half Marathon that was held on Saturday (19) in Ras Al Khaimah, United Arab Emirates.
Gebrzihair took on a rich field that included Obiri, the two times Olympic 5000m silver medalist and two times 5000m World Champion and Genzebe Dibaba, the 2016 Olympic silver medallist and three times world indoor champion.
The 20 year-old faced a fierce competition from start to finish as Obiri stayed with her the entire race but she managed to increase her pace as they reached towards the finish to beat Obiri by eight seconds when she crossed the line in a new personal best of 1:04.14. Obiri came home in second place crossing the line also in a new personal best of 1:04.22.
”What an incredible morning. The course was wonderful to race on and I was able to make excellent time with 01:04:14. I am very proud of what I achieved today, especially as the competition was so fierce. I want to thank Ras Al Khaimah for welcoming me here this week and inviting me to compete in such an amazing race. I look forward to defending my title next year,” said Gebrzihair.
Former African 5000m champion, Sheila Chepkirui closed the podium finishes in a new personal best of 1:04.36.
LEADING RESULTS
21KM WOMEN
- Girmawit Gebrzihair (ETH) 1:04.14
- Hellen Obiri (KEN) 1:04.22
- Sheila Chepkirui (KEN) 1:04.36
Facebook Comments