Gebrselassie reigns over another podium, this time at the Porto Half Marathon (© runporto.com)
Porto, PortugalHaile Gebrselassie and Pamela Chepchumba claimed their respective titles at the Oporto Sportzone Half-Marathon on Sunday.
>>NOTE - winning time of 1:00:02 as originally reported has been officially confirmed as 1:00:04<<
The Ethiopian, who is the World record holder in the Marathon, crossed the finish line in 1:00:04, more than a minute faster than the 1:01:25 course record set by Samuel Wanjiru a year ago.
Nicholas Koech of Kenya was second, 44 seconds back, with Terefe Maregu of Ethiopia third in 1:01:13.
Gebrselassie was among the leaders from the gun in this popular race held in the second most important city of Portugal, well known for its famous porto wines. His main problem, Gebrselassie said, were the strong winds.
Portugal’s Rui Silva, the 2004 Olympic 1500m bronze medallist, was the best Portuguese, finishing eighth.
In the women competition, Pamela Chepchumba collected her second title in the event, improving her performance by three seconds over last year, clocking 1:10:24.
Her countrywomen, Gladys Cherono and Pasalia Kipkoech, rounded out the podium.
Portuguese Marisa Barros, just three seconds behind, produced the best local showing, finishing fourth.
Former Olympic, World and European 10,000m champion, Fernanda Ribeiro, at the age of 41, finished seventh.
António Manuel Fernandes for the IAAF
Click here for Results
MEN -
1. Haile Gebrselassie, ETH 1:04:02
2. Nicholas Koech, KEN 1:00:48
3. Terefe Maregu, ETH 1:01:14
WOMEN -
1. Pamela Chepchumba, KEN 1:10:24
2. Gladys Cheroino, KEN 1:10:29
3. Pasalia Kipkoech, KEN 1:10:41
