(PRIMASPORT) ROME – In the third edition of the Capital's half marathon, in addition to a record participation of 40,000 participants, the men's race also achieved a record. Kenyan Filex triumphed. Kibet in 59:22, improving on the time of 59:44 set twelve months ago by his compatriot Simon Maiywa. The attack at the 14th kilometer proved decisive for the winner, shaving half a minute off his personal best this year. Second-place finisher, Ethiopian Ataklti Kidanu, also finished under an hour in 59:38, while Elisha Kiprop finished third in 1:00:13, ahead of fellow Kenyans Robert Keter (1:00:37) and Kelvin Kipruto (1:00:45). The first of the Italians, Ahmed Ouhda (Army), eleventh with 1h02:31 followed by 23-year-old Nicolò Bedini (Gp Parco Alpi Apuane) who finished in twelfth place in 1h03:10.
In the women's event, the Ethiopian Netsanet won. Right with a time of 1:07:26 over the 21.097 kilometers, which was almost a minute lower than her personal best. Behind her was Kenyan Regina Wambui Ndungu (1:07:48), followed by two Ethiopians with Yalemget Yaregal (1:08:22) on the third step of the podium, ahead of Betelihem Afenigus (1:10:05) and Swiss Oria Liaci (1:11:32). Sixth among the women at the finish line was Italian Giovanna Epis (Carabinieri) who set a season best of 1:11:43 in the final test two weeks before the New York Marathon, and eighth-placed Melissa Fracassini (Atl. Arcs Cus Perugia), who turns 23 the day after tomorrow, clocked 1:13:41. The sea of runners, three of the four foreigners and half of them women, was spectacular on the course that runs from the arches of Viale di Porta Ardeatina to Via degli Annibaldi, overlooking the Colosseum, after passing some of Rome's wonders: Circus Maximus, Foro Italico, Piazza del Popolo, Piazza di Spagna, and Piazza Venezia. (PRIMASPORT)
