BELGRADE, Serbia (AP) — Bernard Kipkorir Talam led a Kenyan trio to win the Belgrade Marathon on Sunday, setting a personal best time in 2 hours, 14 minutes, 35 seconds.
Talam was followed by Paul Kimeli Samoei, who finished in 2:15:50, and Edwin Kitum in 2:21:50. Kitum had won in Belgrade last year.
“I am glad I set my record here in Belgrade,” said Talam, adding that he struggled after the first 20 kilometers (12 miles). “Later we were running uphill and it was windy, which made it harder.”
Around 20,000 runners participated in mostly warm weather.
Kenya also dominated the women’s race which Valary Jemeli Aiyabei won in 2:37:08, followed by Hellen Jepkosgei Kimutai in 2:42:24. Yenealem Ayano Buli of Ethiopia was third in 2:43:45.
