Kenya’s Rhonzas Lokitam Kilimo and Ethiopia’s Bizuager Aderra secured the top honors at the 47th Istanbul Marathon on Sunday. The annual race saw elite competitors from both East African nations sweeping the first-place positions.
Kenyan Claims Victory in Men’s Race
Kilimo won the men’s division with a final time of 2 hours, 10 minutes, and 12 seconds. He successfully finished ahead of two strong Ethiopian competitors.
Dejene Debela and Sufaro Woliyi Kebato finished second and third, completing a dominant showing by East African distance runners.
Ethiopia Leads Women’s Podium
Runners from Kenya and Ethiopia also claimed all three top spots in the women’s division.
- Aderra took first place, achieving a winning time of 2 hours, 26 minutes, and 19 seconds.
- Behind her, her compatriot Sofia Assefa Abebe finished in second place.
- Kenya’s Joan Jepkosgei Kilimo secured the third spot on the podium.
Global Participation in Unique Race
The 47th edition of the race featured a diverse field of participants. Over 41,000 runners from 126 different countries took part in the event. Competitors were able to enter four categories, including the full 42-kilometer marathon distance.
The Istanbul event holds a unique distinction globally. It is recognized as the only marathon in the world where participants run across two continents.
Runners begin the course on the Asian side of the city before crossing to the European side via the iconic Bosphorus Bridge.
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