Belainesh Gebre wins 3rd Dam to Dam title

Every time Belainesh Gebre comes to Des Moines, she wins.

The Ethiopian from Flagstaff, Ariz., claimed her third Dam to Dam 20-kilometer title Saturday in her third try. Gebre ran the second-fastest time ever, 1 hour, 8 minutes, 41 seconds, in the race’s 34-year women’s history.

“This is my favorite place,” the 25-year-old Gebre said. “I’m happy because it’s my third time.”

Gebre, who also captured the Hy-Vee Road Races Half Marathon title in April, trails only five-time champion Bonnie Sons in the 20k event. Gebre, Karen Clark and Janice Ettle all own three titles. Gebre’s other crowns came in 2008 and 2009.