Ethiopians overcome elements to dominate Rome marathon

Ethiopian Shume Hailu Legese celebrates as he won the 20th Marathon of Rome on March 23, 2014. Ethiopian Shume Hailu Legese won ahead Ethipian Sisay Jisa Mekonnen and Langat Leonard Kipkoech of Kenya

ROME - Ethiopian runners dominated Sunday's 20th edition of the Rome marathon with Shume Hailu Legese winning the men's event and Ayelu Lemma Geda the women's race.

Under the driving rain, Legese clocked 2hr 09min 47sec to finish ahead of countryman Sisay Jisa Mekonnen (2:11:20) with Kenyan Leonard Kipkoech Langat (2:14:08) crossing the line in a Roman centurion helmet.

In the women's race, Ayelu Geda timed 2hr 34min 49sec to finish over three minutes ahead of Moroccan Janat Hanane (2:38:09) with Italy's Emma Quaglia third (2:43:23).
http://www.enca.com/