Tsegaye Kebede, Martha Komu win Paris Marathon

(BEIJING, April 7) -- Ethopian Tsegaye Kebede posted the second fastest time in the world this year, winning the Paris Marathon in 2:06:40 on Sunday. The 20-year-old Ethiopian took advantage of perfect wind conditions, leading a group of 12 runners who finished the race in under 2:10 and coming within seven seconds of the course record.

Kenyan Martha Komu won the women's race with a time of 2:25:33, lowering her personal best by seven minutes. This was a surprise win by Komu, who overcame Ethiopian favorite Worknesh Tola with a sprint in the final 200m. "I'd like to thank God because of all he gave to me today," she said after the race.

The Paris Marathon served as an opportunity for French athletes to set the Olympic qualification standard. Simon Munytun, formerly of Kenya, likely earned a spot on the French team by completing the race in 2:09:24, an eleventh place finish that was two minutes faster than his previous best.

RESULTS

Men

1. Tsegaye Kebede (ETH) 2:06:40 PB

2. Moses Kimeli Arusei (KEN) 2:06:50 PB

3. Josea Rotich (KEN) 2:07:24 PB

4. Gudisa Shentema (ETH) 2:07:34 PB

5. David Kemboi (KEN) 2:08:34 PB

6. Abraham Chelanga (KEN) 2:08:56 PB

7. Samson Barmao (KEN) 2:09:01 PB

8. Paul Kosgei (KEN) 2:09:15 PB

9. Benson Barus (KEN) 2:09:23

10. David Kiyeng (KEN) 2:09:23

11. Simon Munyutu (FRA) 2:09:24 PB

12. Philip Manyim (KEN) 2:09:56

13. James Rotich (KEN) 2:10:23

14. John Kibowen (KEN) 2:11:04 debut

15. Oleksandr Kuzin (UKR) 2:11:09

16. Toshinari Takaoka (JPN) 2:11:21

Women

1. Martha Komu (KEN) 2:25:33 PB

2. Worknesh Tola (ETH) 2:25:37 PB

3. Lenah Cheruiyot (KEN) 2:26:00 PB

4. Shitaye Gemeshu (ETH) 2:26:10 PB

5. Alice Timbilil (KEN) 2:26:45 debut

6. Tanya Filonyul (UKR) 2:28:40 PB

7. Aimaz Megersa (ETH) 2:29:53 PB

8. Mindaye Gishu (ETH) 2:30:20

9. Gulnara Vigovskaya (RUS) 2:30:33

10. Olga Glok (RUS) 2:30:40 PB

11. Yamna Oubouhou (FRA) 2:31:56 debut