BERLIN, Sept. 29 (Xinhua) -- Milkesa Mengesha crossed the finish line in 2:03:17 after 42.129km, beating Kenya's Cybrian Kotut and Ethiopia's Haymaonot Alew, while Tigist Ketema won the women's race in 2:16:41 at Berlin Marathon on Sunday.

A record 58,212 runners from 161 countries and regions entered the race, which boasts more world records (13) than any other race, and enjoyed excellent running conditions with cool temperatures and blue skies.

From the start, unlike in previous years, there was a large lead group for a long time. With the help of pacemakers, the favorites started the race very fast and needed only 2:50 minutes for the first kilometer.

After a few kilometers a lead group of around 20 runners formed, including some familiar faces such as Tadese Takele from Ethiopia and Kibiwott Kandie from Kenya.

After ten kilometers and a time of 28:42, the lead group was aiming for a finish time of around 2:01, which would have put Eliud Kipchoge's course record of 2:01:09 from 2022 in danger. Several runners were already paying tribute to the high speed, leaving eight runners unable to keep pace with the 12 leaders.

The pace remained high, but the course record was no longer in danger. At the 25km mark, Kandie made his first attack on the lead group but was unable to make a decisive break.

The pacemakers began to leave the field as Mengesha and Kenya's Stephen Kiprop closed the gap to form a lead group of eight runners. Kandie was unable to follow as the pace picked up again. Mengesha controlled the pace, forcing Tadese Takele and Helah Kiprop out of the lead group.

Kotut and Mengesha remained in the lead until the finish, when Mengesha piled on the pressure to win the final sprint.

"It was very nice when the pacemakers were still there. When the pacemakers were out, it became difficult. It's a huge success for me and I'm really happy because I improved my personal best. It was good that I wasn't a favorite so I could run relaxed and that was my advantage today. The spectators were wonderful, it was very nice." said Mengesha

The women's race was won by favourite Tigist Ketema. She went from start to finish in a time of 2:16:41.

"I am very grateful to be able to run here. With God's help I was able to win this race. I have worked hard and would like to thank my coach from the bottom of my heart," said Ketema. Enditem

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