Beijing Marathon: Meselech Beyene Extends Ethiopia’s win streak in the women’s race to four years.

Meselech Beyene extended Ethiopia‘s win streak in the women’s race of the Beijing Marathon to four as she finished first in a time of 27:44, the second fastest of her career, to fulfill her comeback victory.

“I didn’t expect to win and I am really happy for the victory”, said Beyene, who ran in the Chinese capital for the first time. “I want to thank all the supporters because the atmosphere was so good, so amazing. I hope I can come back next year.”

Rahma Tusa of Ethiopia built a clear early lead after five kilometres. Her compatriot Beyene and Mulu Seboka, who was the fastest entrant with a PB of 2:21:56 set at the 2015 Dubai Marathon, as well as Rebecca Kangogo Chesir from Kenya formed the chase pack.

The 24-year-old Tusa was targeting her second win of the season after setting a PB of 2:27:21 in her successful title defence at April’s Rome Marathon. She led through the half but slowed down gradually before being caught by Chesir and Beyene as they approached 28 kilometres.

Beyene, then, continued her rampant rhythm. She needed only one more kilometre to break from the other two and maintained her comfortable lead until the finish.

This was Beyene’s second win in China. She also claimed the 2015 Heifei Marathon and in her last performance this season was a runner-up finish in Barcelona, where she improved her PB to 2:26:44.

The 24-year-old Chesir, who improved her PB to 2:24:25 in Vienna this year, finished second in 2:30:31. Tusa clocked 2:33:22 to finish third.

Read more at: IAAF.org