Kenyan-born American Betsy Saina takes top prize at the Sydney Marathon

© World Athletics

ATHLETICS Kenyan-born American Betsy Saina takes top prize at the Sydney Marathon

Abigael Wafula 09:15 - 17.09.2023

In the women’s race, Saina faced great opposition from Ethiopia’s Rahma Tusa but her tactics saved the day as she claimed the top honours in 2:26:47 to win by six seconds ahead of Tusa.

Kenyan-born American Betsy Saina put up a good fight that saw her clinch the 2023 Sydney Marathon women’s title while Othmane El Goumri claimed the men’s race on Sunday morning.

In the women’s race, Saina faced great opposition from Ethiopia’s Rahma Tusa but her tactics saved the day as she claimed the top honours in 2:26:47 to win by six seconds ahead of Tusa. Gladys Chesir finished third in 2:28:41.

El Goumri’s clocked 2:08:20 to win the race ahead of Laban Kipngetich who finished second, 23 seconds behind the winner as Ethiopia’s Getaneh Molla placed third in 2:11:22.

Racing on the hot morning, Saina was in the leading pack as they passed the 10km mark in 34:57 and the halfway mark in 1:14:23. Angela Tanui was in the mix in that pack with the hope of proving a point too.

They reached 30km in 1:46:22, with a number of athletes still in contention. It was at this point that Saina and Tusa started to make a move. As they left their rivals behind, they were together through 35km in 2:02:49, with Tanui back in third in 2:03:35.

Saina still looked comfortable as she pushed to create a gap between her and the Ethiopian. As they were passing the 40km mark, it was clear that Saina was definitely going to carry the day, however, Tusa wasn’t content to sit back and watch the title run away, so she made a late charge but her speed was not enough to beat Saina.

In the men’s race, El Goumri made a move ahead passing the 30km mark, but Tanzanian record-holder Gabriel Geay was still on his neck.

Unfortunately, Geay could not maintain the pace and he dropped to third by 35km – with El Goumri ahead in 1:46:11 and Kipngetich in second.

Geay dropped out from the race after that point, with El Goumri forging ahead to win in 2:08:20 and Kipngetich claiming second place in 2:08:43. Molla, who had reached 35km in 1:47:31, claimed third place in 2:11:22.

Leading results

Women

1) Betsy Saina (USA) 2:26:47

2) Rahma Tusa (ETH) 2:26:53

3) Gladys Chesir (KEN) 2:28:41

4) Angela Tanui (KEN) 2:28:52

Men

1)  Othmane El Goumri (MAR) 2:08:20

2) Laban Kipngetich (KEN) 2:08:43

3) Getaneh Molla (ETH) 2:11:22

4) Limenih Getachew (ETH) 2:12:34

Tags: