Ethiopians Addisu Gobena and Wede Kefale swept the Bank of China Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge Half Marathon

Ethiopians Addisu Gobena and Wede Kefale swept the Bank of China Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge Half Marathon on Sunday, November 15. Gobena finished in 1:01:35 in commanding fashion, while Kefale took the much closer women’s race in a time of 1:09:04, as temperatures reached 28°C on the hilly course.

The 22-year-old Gobena broke the Sydney Marathon course record with his 2:04:42 clocking in August this year. He finished nearly one minute ahead of Aliya Kasim.

Gobena passed through 10 km in 28:43 and crossed the finish line 56 seconds ahead of Kasim, who clocked 1:02:31 in his half marathon debut. Kenya’s Alex Lenalepisho, also making his debut, took third in 1:02:50, followed by Morocco’s Othmane El Goumri, who clocked in at 1:03:09. Kenya’s Abel Kiplimo secured fifth in 1:03:34.

Ethiopia’s 2021 Olympic 10,000m champion Selemon Barega did not finish.

The women’s race was closer, with just 12 seconds separating the first three finishers.

Kefale, who entered the race with a personal best of 1:05:21, secured her first half marathon victory in six attempts, winning in 1:09:04, seven seconds ahead of South Africa’s Glenrose Xaba.

Ethiopia’s Fantu Worku took third in 1:09:16, with compatriots Baraky Redae (1:09:53) and Asmarech Anley (1:10:23) completing the top five.

Kefale acknowledged that the heat, wind and undulating course had made fast running difficult, but said she was pleased to secure her first victory over the distance.

Defending champion Grace Nawowuna of Kenya did not finish.

The event takes place on the Hong Kong section of the bridge linking Hong Kong, Zhuhai and Macao. Over 8000 took part, while 2000 raced the new 10 km race.

Results

Women

Men