New York, USA – Gebre-Egziabher Gebremariam shocked the running world by winning the 2010 ING New York City Marathon 2:08:14.
Race favorite Haile Gebrselassie, who was suffering from knee injury, dropped off midway. A disappointed Haile even contemplated retirement from running after the race.
Gebre-Egziabher collected $130,000 prize money plus a $40,000 time along the way.
“Before the race I thought I would be happy to finish. To win makes me very happy! It’s my first marathon, and I’m Number One here!â€Â, said the jubilant athlete.
In the women’s category, Edna Kiplagat of Kenya won in 2:28.20 with Ethiopia’s representatives Bezunesh Deba (11), Teyba Erkesso (12) and Derartu Tulu recording disappointing results.