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Reuben Kerio of Kenya won the 98th International Peace Marathon in Košice, Slovakia on Sunday in the time of 2:07:18. The 27-year-old was just 17 seconds shy of the course record of 2:17:01 and 18 seconds shy of his personal best set two years ago in Eindhoven, Netherlands. It was his second win on the course. In 2017, he clocked a 2:08:12 performance.
The Košice Peace Marathon record was set in 2012 by fellow Kenyan Lawrence Kimaiyo, which is his personal best.
Ethiopian Hiribo Shano Share took second in the time of 2:07:48, and Kenyan, Albert Kangogo clocked a third place 2:07:52 time, just four seconds off his personal best set two years ago in Valencia.
Ethiopian Ayuntu Tadesse set a new course record when she won the women’s race the time of 2:24:35. The previous record was 2:26:01 by Ethiopian Sichala Kumeshi in 2019.
To complete the Ethiopian sweep Maeregu Hayelom clocked a 2:24:42 performance and in third place was Dinknesh Tefer 2:25:00.
Košice Peace Marathon is the oldest marathon in Europe having started in 1924. It is the third longest-running marathon in the world behind only Boston and the Yonkers Marathon.
In 1961 Ethiopian Abibi Bekila won the race in the time of 2:20:12. Legendary American Leonard “Buddy” Edelen clocked a 2:15:09 two years later.
Women were permitted to race the marathon in 1980. The first winner was Šárka Balcarová in the time of 2:50:15.
