Terfa, Loshanyang Earn Rome Marathon Titles

Ethiopian clocks the race’s second-fastest time ever.

Ethiopian Getachew Negari Terfa won the Acea Rome Marathon on Sunday, finishing the annual race in 2 hours, 7 minutes, 56 seconds.

Terfa’s time was the second-fastest in the race’s history.

His quick result came in part thanks to the work of three pacemakers: Matthew Kimutai, Luka Rotich and William Kibor.

Halfway through the race, the trio clocked a 1:03:43. Rotich ratcheted up his tempo at that point, but ultimately the pacemaker withdrew near the 30K mark.

“The race started in good weather conditions but it got colder with a lot of wind along the course,” Terfa said. “However, the weather did not cause problems because I was focused on my race. After winning in Xiamen I took a short rest of two weeks before starting the preparation again. During my training I felt well and I decided to run a second marathon. I want to help my family with the money won in Rome.”

In the women’s race, Helena Kirop Loshanyang earned the victory after crossing the line in 2:24:40.

For More: IAAF