Ethiopian runners Sunday dominated the Taipei Marathon 2020 after they clinched the top three spots in the women’s race.In the women’s division, Askale Wegi won the race in a time of 2:27:39, more than three minutes ahead of Alemtsehay Kasegn, who finished with a time of 2:31:08 and Zinash Lema, who had a time of 2:31:32.

Some 12 elite runners from eight countries have participated in the 2020 Taipei Marathon which is currently an IAAF Bronze Label event.

Paul Lonyangata of Kenya broke a four-year-old record to win the men’s division of the 2020 Taipei Marathon. 

Lonyangata finished the 42.195-km run in 2 hours, 8 minutes and 26 seconds, besting the previous record of 2:09:59 set by countryman Sammy Kitwara in 2016 by more than a minute.

For setting the new record, he earned an extra NT$1 million (US$35,463), on top of the first place prize of NT$800,000, according to organizers.

Over 37,000 signed up for this year’s Taipei Marathon, and 28,000 were selected in a draw to take part in the event that comprises a full-marathon and a half-marathon, Taipei Mayor Ko Wen-je said before the race began.