Alemu pips Mamo in Belfast as Selsouli wins women’s race

Abay Alemu edged out Tadesse Mamo by one second to win a thrilling Belfast Marathon on Sunday.

The Ethiopian pair moved clear in the closing stages before a sprint finish which saw Alemu break the tape in 2:16:23.

“I’m very happy – the people were very nice,” said Alemu.

“The weather was very cold and the pace was not good but the feeling is nice.”

Abera Ketema made it an Ethiopian 1-2-3 by coming in third in a time of 2:17:38.

Josh Griffiths (2:18:01) was fourth with Jonathan Cornish (2:19:28) fifth.

It was third time lucky for Lala Aziza Selsouli in the women’s race as the Moroccan eased to victory after two runner-up finishes.

Selsouli clocked 2:38:00 and was followed home by City of Derry athlete Judith Storm, who ran a personal best of 2:39:09.

“This is my third time – I always wish to win and finally I did it,” said Selsouli.

“I like this race, I like to run in Belfast and I’m very happy to win.”

Melissa Gibson of Ealing completed the podium by finishing third in 2:42:44.

Dearbhla Cox (2:44:31) came in fourth with Pamela Kirk (2:44:48) in fifth place.

Aghadowey woman Jayne Bleakley retained the wheelchair title in 2:32:39.

Bleakley, who competed in the London Marathon last weekend, won last year’s race in her first marathon at the age of 44.

“That was fun but it was really tough and I had major technical difficulties on the way round,” she said.

“So I can’t be disappointed with my time. I though I could still get that PB and I was chasing it the whole way round.

“It didn’t happen but I had great fun and it was brilliant.”