African runners claim golds in Jilin City Marathon

CHANGCHUN, May 18 (Xinhua) -- Ezra Kipketer Tanui of Kenya and Ethiopian runner Afera Godfay Berha triumphed in the men's and women's race, respectively, at the 2025 Jilin City Marathon on Sunday.

Tanui finished first in two hours, eight minutes, and 27 seconds, only three seconds ahead of Ethiopian runner Belay Ziku Asfaw. Another Ethiopian athlete Tadu Abate Deme finished in the third place with 2:08:34.

"It is the first time to run in Jilin city. The course here is good. I will come next year," Tanui said after the race. "The result today was near my personal best. So I am so happy today."

In the women's race, Ethiopian runners swept the podium. Godfay emerged victorious in 2:28:29, ahead of the runner-up Chernet Misganaw Takele, while Mare Dibaba Hurssa ranked third. Enditem