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Ethiopia’s Mengesha wins Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge race, runners praise event

Grace Nawowuna takes women’s title as second edition of race resolves problems experienced in the first

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Ethiopia’s Milkesa Mengesha is on his knees after winning the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge Half Marathon. Photo: Eugene Lee

The Bank of China Hong Kong-Zuhai-Macau Bridge Half Marathon made a considerable improvement on its flawed previous edition as it was praised by elite and amateur runners on Sunday.

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After criticism following the inaugural race 14 months ago, the logistical aspects were as important as the identities of the winners at this second event.

Handily for organisers, the first man and woman over the line, Milkesa Mengesha and Grace Nawowuna, were gushing in their assessments of the race, which is staged inside a border checkpoint at the Hong Kong end of the world’s longest sea-crossing bridge.

Ethiopian Mengesha, winner of last year’s Berlin Marathon, completed the 13.1 miles (21km) in one hour, one minute and 27 seconds, three seconds ahead of Patrick Mosin, from Kenya, who finished in 1:01.30.

“I am so happy to win here, the level of everything has been perfect, even above my expectations,” Mengesha said.

The elite racers set off on the Hong Kong-Zuhai-Macau Bridge Half Marathon. Photo: Eugene Lee
The elite racers set off on the Hong Kong-Zuhai-Macau Bridge Half Marathon. Photo: Eugene Lee

The 21-year-old Kenyan Nawowuna clocked 1:07.56, ahead of compatriot Sheila Chelangat in 1:08.06. She said the mixed reviews of November 2023 had not been a factor when deciding whether to compete.

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