Seoul International Marathon: Loyanae & Shone victorious
Seoul, S. Korea – Kenya’s Wilson Loyanae and pre-race favorite Guteni Shone of Ethiopia were victorious in the men and women’s categories of the 71st edition of the Seoul International Marathon race held here today.
In the men’s race, Loyanae led an all Kenyan team when he finished first in 2:06:11, the second fastest winning time in the history of the IAAF Gold Label Road Race. It was Loyanae himself, who set the current course record of 2:05:37 in 2012.
Loyanae was followed by Felix Kipchirchir Kiprotich (2:06:59) and Jacob Kibet (2:07:48).
An Ethiopian trio comprising Dadi Yami Gemeda, Abreham Cherkos and 2014 champion Yacob Jarso took the 4th to 6th position respectively.
Women’s Race
The women’s title went to pre-race favourite Guteni Shone, from Ethiopia.
Although she could not get close to her impressive personal best of 2:23:32, set when finishing second in Houston in January, she crossed the line in 2:26:22 to finish almost two minutes clear of her nearest rival.
Local hope Kim Seong-Eun, who had finished fourth in this race for the past three years and fifth in 2010, finally made the podium when finishing second in 2:28:20 with China’s Xueqin Wang third in 2:28:39.
Leading results
Men
1. Wilson Loyanae (KEN) 2:06:11
2. Felix Kipchirchir Kiprotich (KEN) 2:06:59
3. Jacob Kibet (KEN) 2:07:47
4. Dadi Yami Gemeda (ETH) 2:08:05
5. Abreham Cherkos (ETH) 2:08:14
6. Yakob Jarso (ETH) 2:09:38
Women
1. Guteni Shone (ETH) 2:26:22
2. Kim Seong Eun (KOR) 2:28:20
3. Xueqin Wang (CHN) 2:28:39
4. Chao Yue (CHN) 2:29:26
5. Chaltu Chimdesa Kumsa (ETH) 2:30:28
6. Megumi Amako (JPN) 2:34:28
