5km Confidence Run victory podium - Urgessa, Godana, and winner Asselefech Mergia with Meseret Defar (© Elshadai Negash)
Ethiopia’s World Half Marathon silver medallist Aselefech Mergia cruised to an impressive victory in the 2009 Confidence Women First 5km Run in Addis Ababa on Sunday (15).
The 23-year old, who finished a very distant second behind Dutchwoman Lornah Kiplagat at the 2008 IAAF World Half Marathon Championships in Rio, clocked a course record time of 15:57.12 for the 5km to beat youngster Derebe Godana and African junior 3000m bronze medallist Bezunesh Urgessa.
Former World 10,000m silver medallist Werknesh Kidane, who was returning back after three years out due to maternity leave, finished eighth despite leading for much of the race.
Kidane, who is known for her brave front-running tactics as much as her success over the cross country and the track, took control of the race from the start with a pack of around 20 women clinging onto her pace.
After 2km, the size of the pack shrunk to twelve as Kidane continued to lead. Urgessa and Aberu Kebede both tried to overtake Kidane but the diminutive runner would have none of it.
Kidane continued to lead for the next two kilometres when she began to tire with around 800m to go before the finish line. She was first overtaken by Mergia and then Kebede as she faltered with 600m from the finish. Mergia powered ahead to take a three-second victory from newcomer Derebe Godana with Urgessa overtaking Kebede in the battle for third.
“I am happy to win this race,” Mergia said after the race. “It means a lot winning a race organized for women. It is a good way of celebrating their achievement.”
Multiple global champion and world record breaker Meseret Defar was on hand to give out the prizes.
Elshadai Negash for the IAAF
RESULTS
1. Asselefech Mergia (Federal Police) 15:57.01
2. Derebe Godana (Muger Cement) 16:00.18
3. Bezunesh Urgessa (Unattached) 16:02.56
