AFP
25 March 2001RomeHenry Cherono of Kenya won the seventh Rome men's marathon here Sunday, posting a time of 2:11:33. Italy's Ottavio Andriani was second in 2:11:39 while another runner from the host nation, Alberigo Di Cecco, was third, clocking 2:12:43.
Cherono prevailed in what had been an exciting duel with Andriani who delighted the home supporters by surging to the front after 37km. But the African stayed on his shoulder before producing a burst of speed after 40km (25 miles) to carry himself clear of the Italian.
There was still some excitement in store for the throng on the road to the finish in the shadow of the Colosseum as Andriani produced one last sprint and started to close the gap on the leader but Cherono had enough in reserve to come in six seconds ahead. Di Cecco, a Carabinieri running in the official red and blue colours of the unit, was the best of the rest.
There was consolation for Italy in the women's race with Maria Guida winning at a canter in a time of 2:30:41. Next best was Ethiopian Emebet Abossa who posted 2:36:29 while Kenyan Angelina Kanana was third in 2:39:07.
Men
1. Henry Cherono (Ken) 2:11:33
2. Ottavio Andriani (Ita) 2:11:39
3. Alberico Di Cecco (Ita) 2:12:43
4. Chala Kelile (Eth) 2:16:41
5. Benjamin Matolo (Ken) 2:19:23
6. Giorgio Calcaterra (Ita) 2:19:26
7. Silvio Trilloni (Ita) 2:21:24
8. William Koech (Ken) 2:21:40
9. Michael Kite (Ken) 2:23:42
10. Michael Mukoma (Ken) 2:25:06
Women
1. Maria Guida (Ita) 2:30:41
2. Emebet Abossa (Eth) 2:36:29
3. Angelina Kanana (Ken) 2:39:07
4. Edato Gadisse (Eth) 2:42:05
5. Birra Tadelech (Eth) 2:43:59
