Ethiopian Athletes dominate Florence Marathon

Florence, Italy – Ethiopian athletes led by Firehiwot Dado (women) and Aredo Tolesa (men), dominated the Florence Marathon here yesterday.

Women

The 2009 & 2010 Rome Marathon champion, Dado crossed the finish line in 2:28:58, with fellow compatriot Meseret Mengistu coming in second place in 2:30.45. Alena Samokhvalova of Russia finished a distant third in 2:36:42.

Men
Debutant Aredo Tadese clinched the men’s race defeating fellow Ethiopian and race favorite Teshome Gelana. Both credited with a finishing time of 2:12.41.

Leading Results –
Men:
1 Aredo Tolesa Tadese (Ethiopia) 2:12:41
2 Teshome Gelana (Ethiopia) 2:12:41
3 Edea Bane Tola (Ethiopia) 2:13:30

Women:
1 Firehiwot Tufa Dado (Ethiopia) 2:28:58
2 Meseret Mengistu (Ethiopia) 2:30:45
3 Alena Samokhvalova (Russia) 2:36:42