The 2015 African U20 1500m bronze medallist, Chala Ketema Regasa produced a powerful finishing kick to win the Men’s race at the 6th edition of the Adnoc Abu Dhabi Marathon held on Saturday (14) Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
The 27 year-old ran the fourth fastest time in Abu Dhabi of 2:06.16, just missing out in bettering his personal best of 2:06.11, was followed in second place by Ibrahim Bouh also known as Ibrahim Hassan of Djibouti, 17 seconds later with the oldest athlete on paper, Wilfred Kirwa Kigen from Kenya closing the podium three finishes in a new personal best of 2:06.47.
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“I’m also very proud and honored to become the first from Ethiopia to win the Abu Dhabi Marathon. I’m going to take a small break and then continue with my training and bring more glory to my country,” said Regasa.
Regasa pocketed a cool Kshs 12,902,210 (USD 100,000) as prize money.
The course record of 2:04.40, set in 2019 by Reuben Kipyego from Kenya remains standing.
LEADING RESULTS
42KM MEN
- Chala Ketema Regasa (ETH) 2:06.16
- Ibrahim Bouh (DJI) 2:06.33
- Wilfred Kirwa Kigen (KEN) 2:06.47