by BISRAT HABTE
ASMARA – ERITREAN athlete Desale Debesay made history here after winning the heavily contested Asmara Marathon in the capital, Asmara on Sunday.
Fellow countryman Nahom Ermias came second while Kenyan long distance runner Kusimba Denis settled for the third position in a tight race contested by more than 10, 000 athletes.
Debesay won the 10 km race in 2Hrs, 16 minutes and 28 seconds.
Eritrean female Olympian Dolci Tesfu clinched the first position while Rahel Daniel and Diana Shishay were second and third respectively in the women’s category.
In the paralympics race category, Tesfahiwet Tekle emerged winner while Sebhatu Kesete and Dirar Okbamariam came second and third respectively.
The Asmara Marathon is regarded as the sixth-highest capital city in the world and the second-highest in Africa.
Most importantly, the Asmara high altitude presented a challenge for the runners while many still believe the place is the most relevant one for elite training, especially when one hopes to make a global impact in long distance running.
Its renowned architectural beauty, environmental cleanliness, and atmosphere of peace and tranquility further enhance its appeal as a host for major sporting events.
More than 10, 000 athletes drawn, mainly from East African countries such as host nation Eritrea, Kenya, South Sudan, Tanzania and Uganda participated.
The Athletics Federation of Eritrea (AFE) organised the East African regional marathon race.
– CAJ News
