Bezabeh and Chepngetich Victorious in Adana

Ethiopian Belay Tihaun Bezabeh raced to victory in 1:03:34 at the 7th International Adana Half Marathon. On the women's side, it was Ruth Chepngetich of Kenya who took the honour by a lifetime best 1:09:56.

Bezabeh, who remained in the leading pack from the start, reached the 10km mark with his compatriot Fetene Alemu Regasa and Kenyan Jameson Kabuku Wangechi. Shortly after this point, Regasa and Wangechi started to fall of the pace. Bezabeh passed 15km as solo leader, while Wangechi followed 150 meters behind with Regasa more than 200 meters in deficit. With no other takers for the win, the Ethiopian continued building his lead and finished with 1:03:34. Wangechi was second in 1:04:43, and Regasa took the third place by 1:05:34.

Women's competition was contested among the Kenyan trio Ruth Chepngetich, Angele Jesmunde Tanui and Veronicah Njeri Maina. Chepngetich sliced more than two minutes off her personal best to win in 1:09:06. Tanui was a distant second in 1:09:56. Maina passed the finish line in 1:10:20 to claim the third place.

This was the fifth year that Depar Timing provided the timing services in the 7-year history of the International Adana Half Marathon.