Zersenay Tadese Triumphs In Madrid

A big mistake by his rival allowed Tadese to win the race on New Year’s Eve.

Zersenay Tadese of Eritrea prevailed in the 46th ‘San Silvestre Vallecana’ in Madrid, Spain on New Year’s Eve. Tadese, the world-record holder in the half marathon, ran a tactical race, edging out hometown favorite Ayad Lamdassem in the end. Tadese’s winning time for the 10K race was 28:27.

In the first half of the race, Tadese let others dictate the pace with the first three kilometers of 3:01, 5:52, and 8:41. It wasn’t until the fourth kilometer that the dynamic changed. Sergio Sánchez of Spain opened up a gap, running a quick 2:47 fourth kilometer.

However, by 5K, Sánchez was reeled in. At 15:30, Tadese took charge, moving to the front.

By 9K, Lamdassem attacked, taking over the lead and gaping Tadese by seven seconds. Unfortunately for Lamdassem, with just 600m to go, he should have turned, but stayed straight. This mistake cost him the race. Tadese used the error to his advantage and caught up with the Moroccan-born Spaniard. He ended up with a nine-second margin of victory.

“It’s true that I’m not at my peak after the injury I sustained during the World Half Marathon championships but I think I would have won even without Lamdassem’s mistake,” said Tadese afterwards.

For More: IAAF