Kenyan, Ethiopian Win Sofia Marathon

Kenyan Athlete Edwin Kipchumba and Ethiopia's Zerife Boku were the fastest contenders at Marathon Sofia's 31st edition held on Sunday, October 12.

Kipchumba went through the 42.195 km in 2:19.06 h. He came first after closing in on other participants and taking the lead just in the last 5 kilometers.

Boku, who had been considered most likely to win, was first among the women with a time of 2:40.53 h.

Shaban Mustafa was the fastest Bulgarian, ranking seven with 2:25:01, according to the sports website Gong.bg.

Sofia Mihaylova, who has scored victory in the marathon a total of seven times, finished fourth with 2:58.51.

Some 279 people from 35 countries took part in the race.

The winners will receive BGN 5 000 each and a BMW electric bike at roughly the same value.

Kenyans and Ethiopians also topped the 2-5 places in the men's rankings.

The event met some criticism for putting athletes on an equal footing with non-professionals.

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