Ethiopia`s Birhanu Legese wins Berlin half marathon

Berlin: Ethiopia`s Birhanu Legese won the Berlin half marathon on Sunday as African runners dominated the top ten finishers in the men`s race.

Legese came home in a winning time of 59 mins 45 seconds having held off the challenge of Kenya`s David Kogei, who finished just a second behind, and fellow Kenyan Abraham Cheroben, who crossed the line three seconds back in third.

In the women`s race, Kenya`s Cynthia Chepchirchir Kosgei won in one hour, 10 mins and 52 seconds with compatriot Elizeba Cherono second at four seconds back and Sweden`s Isabellah Andersson in third at 39 seconds back.
Men

1. Birhanu Legese (ETH) 59min 01sec

2. David Kogei (KEN) 59:46

3. Abraham Cheroben (KEN) 59:49

4. Richard Mengich (KEN) 59:59

5. Abraham Kipyatich (KEN) 1:00.03 
Women

1. Cynthia Chepchirchir Kosgei (KEN) 1hr 10:52 mins

2. Elizeba Cherono (KEN) 1:10.56

3. Isabellah Andersson (SWE) 1:11.31

4. Anita Baierl (AUT) 1:13.23

5. Esther Hidalgo (ESP) 1:14.13