Ethiopia’s Shura Kitata wins 2020 London Marathon

Addis Ababa, October 4, 2020 (FBC) – Ethiopia’s Shura Kitata has won the men’s 2020 London Marathon.

He finished the race in 2:05:41. Another Ethiopian, Sisay Lemma, was third.

Ethiopia’s Kenenisa Bekele missed the London Marathon because of calf injury last Friday.

Shura told BBC that “Kenenisa Bekele was helping me for this race and he advised me how to run. I trained for the same course, I am very happy to win the race.”

Prime Minister Dr Abiy Ahmed congratulated Shura on his win.

Outstanding results by the #Ethiopia team in the #LondonMarathon. Congratulations Shura Kitata in winning the 2020 London Marathon men’s race. My appreciation to all elite runners raising Ethiopia’s flag wherever you go. Your country is proud of you.

— Abiy Ahmed Ali 🇪🇹 (@AbiyAhmedAli) October 4, 2020

Pre-race favourite, Kenya’s Eliud Kipchoge, finished eighth.

Kenya’s Brigid Kosgei retained the women’s title in 2: 18: 58.

Originally due to be run in April, the London Marathon was rescheduled to October because of the coronavirus pandemic.