“The manner of the Eritrean’s victory was a picture in itself. Tadese’s run was a solo venture of such athletics magnitude….” wrote Chris Turner for the IAAF. Zersenay Tadese took the lead early in the race, which was held in stifling heat and humidity.

According to CNN’s report, Zersenay Tadese of Eritrea won the men's world half marathon championship for the third time with a dominant performance in Rio de Janeiro on Sunday.

Zersenay Tadese won the first prize of US$30,000 in a time of 59:56, nearly two minutes ahead of his closest challenger, Patrick Makau Musyoki (1:01:54) who was also silver medalist in 2007, with Qatar’s Ahmad Hassan Abdullah, the 2004 bronze medalist, taking third (1:01:57).

Mountains, sun, sea, sand and Zersenay Tadese were the fundamental elements of today’s race. With just 12 minutes on the clock, Tadese became the second and final race leader. A seemingly effortless surge gave the defending two-time champion a clear lead within a few fluent strides. That ultimately was ‘game over’ in the battle for individual gold at least.

By now the silver and bronze medals were the realistic extent of anyone’s aspirations other than Tadese, as the defending champion was now one and half minutes ahead of the field, with the margin growing by the moment.

Tadese’s running style was as fluid as the ocean breaking on the shore to his right. Both were a picture and we were wallowing in the spectacle.

Tadese is the first ever three-time men’s race winner in the history of the competition.

Eritrea ranked second following Kenya with Michael Tesfay (12), Mogos Ahferom (25), and Yemane Teame(29).


Source: Chris Turner for the IAAF
CNN