SYDNEY: Ethiopia’s Addisu Gobena surged to a record-breaking victory in the men’s race at the Sydney Marathon on Sunday.
In perfect conditions, Gobena won the hotly contested men’s race in two hours four minutes and 42 seconds more than a minute and a half quicker than the previous record on the hilly harborside course which attracted 40,000 competitors from around the world.
The 21-year-old Ethiopian, who was a javelin thrower until 2023, broke away with compatriot Chimdessa Debele Gudeta from the lead pack of six runners inside the final two kilometers and then surged ahead on the downhill finish to the Sydney Opera House to win by four seconds.
Gobena, who finished second behind Hailemaryam Kiros last year, celebrated by punching the air after crossing the finish line.
“I am very happy. Last year I came second, I learnt from my mistake, and I went back home and I worked on my mistake to perform and break the record today,” said Gobena through an interpreter.
