Ethiopian runner Bedatu Hirpa secured a narrow victory in the women’s Paris Marathon on Sunday, overtaking her fellow countrywoman Dera Dida just before the finish line. In the men’s race, Kenyan Bernard Biwott triumphed by a considerable margin, leaving his competitors behind with 10 kilometers remaining.
Bedatu Hirpa becomes the queen of Paris- Getty Images
Bedatu surged in the final meters, completing the race in 2 hours, 20 minutes, and 45 seconds. Her fellow Ethiopian, Dera Dida, finished in second place, just four seconds behind.
This was Bedatu’s second marathon of the year after she won the Dubai Marathon in January. Dera also finished second in this tournament.
25-year-old Bedatu is a former world U-18 champion. Her personal best time in the Marathon was set in the Dubai Marathon, where she finished in 2:18:27. Bedatu was also a previous 1500-meter runner at the youth level.
Results
- Bedatu Hirpa : 2:20:45
- Dera Dida : 2:20:49
- Angela Tanui : 2:21:07
