Joseph Mbithi led a Kenyan sweep at the 27th edition of the Istanbul Intercontinental Eurasia Marathon. Russian veteran runner Madina Biktagirova took the women’s honours in a course record time.
Starting traditionally in the Asian part of Istanbul, the runners crossed the bridge over the Bosphorus, the waterline dividing the two continents, and finished in the European side of the city on a wet and rainy day. It was no surprise that the Africans dominated the men’s marathon. Joseph Mbithi, running in the front group all the way, clocked a winning time of 2:15:13. His compatriot Hillary Kipkering followed 34 seconds behind. Benson Mbithi was third in 2:16:07.
41-year-old Madina Biktagirova was victorious in the women’s race, finishing the race in 2:34:25. The Russian took 14 seconds off the course record, set in 1997 by Adriana Barbu of Romania. Biktagirova’s effort brought her not only the title, but also the prize money of 35,000 dollars offered for first place, plus the record. Natalia Volgina came in second in 2:36:42 and Zhanna Malkova third in 2:37:33.
Can Korkmazoglu for the IAAF
Leading results:
Men
1. Joseph Mbithi (Kenya) 2:15:13
2. Hillary Kipkering (Kenya) 2:15:47
3. Benson Mbithi (Kenya) 2:16:07
4. Mytahar Elchadi (Morocco) 2:16:22
5. Elkanah Machuka (Kenya) 2:16:38
6. Maurice Mukuthi (Kenya) 2:17.34
7. Yuriy Hychun (Ukraine) 2:18:43
8. Belay Wolashe (Ethiopia) 2:19:09
9. James Kariuki (Kenya) 2:19:39
10. Dmitry Semenov (Russia) 2:19:51
Women
1. Madina Biktagirova (Russia) 2:34:25
2. Natalia Volgina (Russia) 2:36:42
3. Zhanna Malkova (Russia) 2:37:33
4. Aurica Buia (Romania) 2:38:21
5. Rimma Dubovik (Ukraine) 2:39:35
6. Natalia Cherches (Moldova) 2:42:58
7. Lale Ozturk (Turkey) 2:43:24
8. Milka Mihailova (Bulgaria) 2:45:05
9. Magdalena Todrascu (Romania) 2:50:39
10. Serap Aktas (Turkey) 2:51:36
