Merga, the 2011 world cross-country champion, relied on his renowned sprint finish on the local horse racing course to win the 10.14km senior men’s race in 29:00, three seconds ahead of Kenyan youngster Dominic Kiptarus.
Eritrea’s Goitom Kifle completed the podium in 29:07 while Antonio Abadia was a good, albeit distant, fourth on home soil in 29:51.
In the senior women’s race, over 8.14km, Ayalew took a clear-cut win ahead of compatriot Belaynesh Oljira. The steeplechaser won in 26:57 with Oljira finishing some 14 seconds in arrears.
Another steeplechaser, European bronze medallist Diana Martin, finished third in 27:33.
Merga and Ayalew added their names at the 61st edition of the race to an illustrious roll of honour which includes running legends such as Emil Zatopek, Alain Mimoun, Mamo Wolde, Carlos Lopes, Rosa Mota, John Ngugi, Haile Gebrselassie and Derartu Tulu.
Source: African News Agency (ANA)
