Jemal Yimer, after setting WR for Half Marathon debut, RAK Half Marathon, February 9, 2018, photo by Brian Eder/RunBlogRun
Yimer with first gold medal
ASABA (NGR, Aug 1): First gold medal at African Championships was won by Ethiopian Jemal Yimer in the 10 000 m with 29:08.01 ahead of team-mate Andumlak Belihu 29:11.09. Bronze for Ugandan Timothy Toroitich 29:11.87 with top Kenyan Vincent Kipsang fourth 29:14.52. Kenyans flew into Asaba only on the day of the competition. In 100 m heats fastest times by Akani Simbine 10.30 (-0.8) and Marie Josee Ta Lou 11.25 (+0.4). Rest of the events of the first day were moved to other days.