Tsegay holds off Kipsang's challenge

Bengaluru: Atsedu Tsegay of Ethiopia held off a strong challenge from Kenya’s Geoffrey Kipsang to win the elite men’s title at the Airtel Delhi Half Marathon 2013 with a new course record on Sunday.

Tsegay, who clocked 59 mins 12 secs, bettered the course record by three seconds which was set by compatriot Deriba Merga in 2008.

Kipsang was not too far behind, finishing with a time of 59:30. The Kenyan fought a neck and neck battle with Tsegay for a large part of the race before the Ethiopian came up with a burst of speed right at the end. Wilson Kiprop (59:49), also of Kenya, finished third.

The elite women’s section was totally dominated by Kenyans with Florence Kiplagat (1 hr 8 mins) finishing at the top the pile.

Compatriots Gladys Cherono (1:08:03) and Lucy Kabuu (1:08:10) were second and third respectively.

Among the Indians, G. Laxmanan (1:04:44) finished first with a personal best time, Kheta Ram (1:04:99) was second while Ratti Ram Saini (1:04:51) finished third.

The Indian womens’ section saw some fierce competition with Preeja Sreedharan (1:20:04) taking the crown ahead of Kavita Raut (1:20:06) and Lalita Babbar (1:20:09).