Tirfi Beyene sets new record to win Paris Marathon

Paris, France —Tirfi Beyene of Ethiopia won the Paris Marathon in record time here today.

Beyene, who was third in 2010, dominated the women’s race in 2:21.40 to surpass Ethiopian Atsede Bayisa’s mark of 2:22.02 from two years ago.

Ethiopian-born Sultan Haydar of Turkey (formerly Chaltu Girma Meshesha) was second behind Tirfi in 2:25.07, and Makeda Harun of Ethiopia was third in 2:26.46.

In the men’s race, Stanley Biwott of Kenya also set a new course record as he finished ahead of Ethiopians Raji Assefa, who had a new personal best of 2:06.23 and debutant Sisay Jisa (2:06.26).

MEN

1. Stanley Biwott (Kenya) 2:05:11 (Race Record)

2. Raji Assefa (Ethiopia) 2:06:23

3. Sisay Jisa (Ethiopia) 2:06:26 (Debut)

WOMEN

1. Tirfi Beyene (Ethiopia) 2:21:39 (Race Record)

2. Sultan Haydar (Turkey/Ethiopia) 2:25:07 (National Record)

3. Makda Harun (Ethiopia) 2:26:46