Ethiopian long-distance runner Fotyen Tesfay won the Barcelona Marathon on her debut on Sunday, setting the second-fastest marathon time in history after crossing the line in two hours, 10 minutes, and 53 seconds.
According to a report by Reuters, her compatriot Zeineba Yimer finished third, while Kenyan runner Jepkosegei Kiplimo finished in second place.
The report quoted Tesfay as saying “Today was fantastic. It was not what I was expecting, but it is good,” Tesfay said with the help of an interpreter.
“My plan was to attack the world record, but today there was a lot of wind. I was not able to push in the last part of the race. Today I did not succeed, but in the next marathon I would like to try for the world record.”
The Kenyan athlete had previously been banned for three years after admitting to violations of anti-doping rules, the report added. Ugandan athlete Abel Chelangat won the men’s race.
