by Larry Eder
Lelisa Desisa, photo by PhotoRun.net
Lelisa Desisa 60:37 and Mary Wacera 66:29
HOUSTON (USA, Jan 17): Lelisa Desisa led an Ethiopian one-two in the Aramco Houston Half Marathon. In the build-up to the Boston Marathon where Desisa lines up as the reigning champion, Desisa stopped the clock at 60:37 with Mosinet Geremew a close second in 60:45. Eritrea’s Samson Gebreyohanes was third in 61:28 while Luke Puskedra confirmed he will be a factor at next month’s American Olympic Marathon Trials by claiming fourth in a 61:29 PB. There was also a very fast women’s race which was won by Mary Wacera in a course record and PB of 66:29 ahead of Cynthia Limo in 66:41 PB. Ethiopia’s Mare Dibaba was third in 67:55 in her first race since winning the world marathon title in Beijing. Ethiopia’s Ruti Aga was fourth in 68:07 PB while Sara Hall warmed up for the American Olympic Marathon Trials in fifth in a 70:07 PB.
Mary Wacera, photo by PhotoRun.net
Editor’s note: The Houston Marathon is one of the fastest half courses in North America. Thirty-three US athletes qualified for the U.S. Olympic Trials at Houston on January 17. Congrats to all!
