by Alfonz Juck
Stephen Kiprop wins RAK in 58:42, photo by PhotoRun.net
Senbere Tefere wins at RAK in 65:45, photo by PhotoRun.net
Julien Wanders sets ER of 59:11, photo by PhotoRun.netSuperb level and European record
RAS AL KHAIMAH (UAE, Feb 8): Kenya’s Stephen Kiprop equalled the course record in the Ras Al Khaimah Half Marathon with 58:42 to move to equal fifth on the world all-time lists. Ethiopians Abadi Hadis (58:44) and Fikadu Haftu (59:08) were second and third respectively while Switzerland’s Julien Wanders smashed Mo Farah’s European record of 59:32, clocking 59:13 to finish fourth. The top 11 finishers broke the one hour-mark. There was an Ethiopian clean sweep in the women’s race with former world 5000m silver medallist Senbere Teferi winning in a sprint finish in 65:45 ahead of world half marathon champion Netsanet Gudeta (65:45) and Zeineba Yimer (65:46). Valary Aiyabei was the leading non-Ethiopian finisher in fifth in 66:14 while former world half marathon record-holder Peres Jepchirchir returned to top-level racing in sixth in 67:36.
