Sifan Hassan: ‘It’s history’
Veteran Kiros held off compatriot Addisu Gobena down the stretch to capture the fastest marathon run on Australian soil by 10 seconds. Tebello Ramakongoana of Lesotho took third (2:06:47).
“Very tough, these were strong, strong fields,” Kiros said.
Hassan chose to run in Sydney over the World Athletics Championships next month in Tokyo, and proved her decision to be worth it.
The Dutchwoman pulled away from former world record-holder Brigid Kosgei and was on her own at 40km. The 32-year-old put 34 seconds on Kosgei in the end for her third Marathon Major title after London and Chicago.
“It’s amazing, I’m really grateful, I’m so happy to win a course record,” Hassan said. “It’s history, it’s the first major marathon and I’m the first winner.”
Last year’s winner Workenesh Edesa was third in 2:22:15.