Kenyan athletes have clinched crowns in the 42nd Istanbul Marathon, the world’s only intercontinental footrace.
Benard Cheruiyot Sang finished the race in 2 hours, 11 minutes and 49 seconds to come first in men’s category.
In women’s race, Diana Chemtai Kipyogei claimed the title in 2 hours 22 minutes and 6 seconds.
Another Kenyan runner Felix Kimutai trailed 11 seconds behind Sang to be the runner-up and Zewudu Hailu Bekele from Ethiopia came third as he finished the men’s race 34 seconds behind the leader
The starting point of the marathon was the Yenikapi Event Area on the European side, instead of the July 15 Martyrs Bridge on the Asian side.
The runners passed the bridge giving a spectacular view of the Bosphorus, and moved past many historic sites, including the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia.
The marathon ended in the Yenikapi Event Area with the runners crossing the Bosphorus bridge twice for the first time in the event’s history.
READ MORE: Kenyan, Ethiopian athletes win 41st Istanbul Marathon
Coronavirus measures
The safe area application was implemented for the first time as part of coronavirus measures.
The runners and employees entered the area with a code from Hayat Eve Sigar, a mobile application designed to minimize the virus risk.
The Istanbul Marathon is organised by the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality and Spor Istanbul, and sponsored by N Kolay Payment Institution, a subsidiary of Aktif Investment Bank.
READ MORE: Kenyans dominate at 40th intercontinental Istanbul marathon
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