ADDIS ABABA: Running is akin to religion in Ethiopia and following Abraham Kabeto Ketla's victory in the Jerusalem marathon on Friday, Ethiopians were all prideful of the success. “It's another win for us, the greatest running country in the world,” 49-year-old handyman Mateek told Bikyanews.com. He wasn't alone. 23-year-old university student and aspiring runner Halle told Bikyanews.com that “if we work hard and are special, we can make great changes and show the world Ethiopia is not behind the times.” Ketla of Ethiopia won the third Jerusalem marathon in a record time for the race. Some 20,000 runners took part despite protests by Palestinians, who had called for an international boycott of the race over human rights abuses by Israel. Ketla finished in 2 hours, 16 minutes and 29 seconds, beating the record by three minutes. Luka Kipkemoi Chelimo of Kenya was second at 2:19:02. Vincent Kiplagat Kiptoo of Kenya finished third. Mihiret Anamo Anotonios of Ethiopia set a record in the women's race with 2:47:26. Radiya Mohammed Roba of Ethiopia was second with 3:05:58. Palestinians called for a boycott of the marathon because it passed through east Jerusalem, which they claim for a future capital. Palestinians held a small protest without disrupting the race. BN
