media_artricles :: 2016

Nero fails to make Olympic cut

National long distance runner Tonya Nero will not compete at the 2016 Rio Olympic Games in August, after not making the qualifying standard at the Standard Chartered Dubai Marathon in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, yesterday.

Nero needed to complete the 26.2 mile trek in two hours and 45 minutes (2:45:00) or less to qualify for the Olympics. Unfortunately, Nero finished 26th among the women in 2:59:47.

The first woman to finish was Tirfi Tsegaye Beyene in 2:19:41, more than one minute ahead of her countrywoman Amane Beriso Shankule (2:20:48). Ethopia dominated the event as the top five women all represented the East African country. It was a fast race as the winning women’s time at the T&T International Marathon on Sunday was 2:58:42 by Kenyan Leah Kigen.

Following the race Nero posted on her Facebook page: “I finished in a time of 2:59:49 in the Dubai marathon. It was not the qualifying time, but it was my best for the day. With 13k to go I depended on my left leg to carry my body throughout the rest of the race. I want to thank everybody as your prayers, encouragement and positive vibes helped me make my way to the finish line. God was definitely my strength. I told myself that I am not leaving Dubai with a DNF by my name because I proudly represent my country and the Caribbean at large. By the way, I officially declare the marathon as a ‘crazy person’ sport lol. It’s just not normal, but I will do it again.”

Ethopia also dominated the men’s race, also making a clean sweep of the top five finishers. It was competitive among the men, as the top five were only seperated by one minute and 20 seconds. Winning the men’s and overall title was Tesfaye Abera Dibaba in 2:04:24, one minute and a half slower than the world record. The current world record holder is Kenyan Dennis Kimetto, who won the Berlin Marathon on September 28, 2014 in 2:02:57.

SCORES

Women’s Top Ten

1. 1 Tsegaye Beyene, Tirfi - Ethopia - 02:19:41
2. 2 Beriso Shankule, Amane - Ethopia - 02:20:48
3. 3 Melkamu Haileyesus, Meselech - Ethopia - 02:22:29
4. 4 Asefa Kebede, Sutume - Ethopia - 02:24:00
5. 5 Seboka Seyfu, Mulu - Ethopia - 02:24:24
6. 6 Eshete Habtegebrel, Shitaye - Bahrain - 02:25:36
7. 7 Tufa Demissie, Mestawet - Ethopia - 02:26:34
8. 8 Mekash Tefera, Dinknesh - Ethopia - 02:28:19
9. 9 Daska Molisa, Mamitu - Ethopia - 02:28:53
10. 10 Ifa Geletu, Megertu - Ethopia - 02:29:45

*26 Nero, Tonya - T&T - 02:59:47

Men’s Top Ten

1. 1 Abera Dibaba, Tesfaye - Ethopia - 02:04:24
2. 2 Berhanu Hayle, Lemi - Ethopia - 02:04:33
3. 3 Mekonnen Asefa, Tsegaye - Ethopia - 02:04:46
4. 4 Lemma Kasaye, Sisay - Ethopia - 02:05:16
5. 5 Wasihun Lakew, Mula - Ethopia - 02:05:44
6. 6 Ayele Woldegiorgis, Abayneh - Ethopia - 02:06:45
7. 7 Kiplimo Kosgei, Samuel - Kenya - 02:06:53
8. 8 Regassa Dabe, Tilahun - Ethopia - 02:08:11
9. 9 Kiplagat Rono, Thomas - Kenya - 02:08:34
10. 10 Teshome Bekele, Mesfin - Ethopia - 02:09:24?

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