New records set in the 2006 Great Ethiopian Run

(27.11.2006)

Two new records were set in yesterday’s 2006 Toyota Great Ethiopian Run in Addis Ababa.

Deriba Merga not only completed a personal hat-trick for running but also set a new course record of 28 minutes 18.61 seconds in the men’s race of the 10km race at 2400m altitude. For 22-year old Deriba, who was representing the Defense sports club in Addis Ababa, this was his third domestic road-running victory of the year, following similar wins in the Nazreth World Cup 10km and the Ethiopian 20km Championships.

Meanwhile the relatively unknown Omedla sports club runner Belaynesh Fekadu was the surprise winner of the women’s race, setting a course record of 33:02.25.

A special Ethiopian Airlines Ambassadors’ Award was presented to Norway’s Ambassador Jens-Petter Kjemperud, who completed the race in 49 minutes, followed by Swedish Ambassador Taffan Tillander. French Ambassador Stephane Gompertz came in third place out of the competing Ambassadors, although former British Ambassador Myles Wickstead finished ahead of him.

Inaugural children’s races were also held this year.

ENDS