Ethiopians claim the two big prizes as 74,000 compete in perfect conditions
A woman was fighting for her life in hospital on Sunday after taking part in the Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon. The Hospital Authority said the 52-year-old was in critical condition in Ruttonjee Hospital, Wan Chai. Two men, aged 46 and 23, were also initially listed as critical but later improved to “serious”. It is believed the woman collapsed at the finishing line in Victoria Park at around 9am, having completed the 10km race. There were 27 reports of hospital admissions – 12 had been discharged by 2pm. Some 74,000 runners enjoyed perfect conditions in the 21st edition of the race, with Ethiopians winning the main events in both the men’s and women’s categories. The pleasant weather was a stark contrast to last year, when a bitterly cold downpour prompted many entrants to opt for a lie-in instead. This year Bizuneh Melaku Belachew broke the course record in the men’s marathon, finishing in two hours 10 minutes and 31 seconds. He danced for joy at the finishing line with Julius Kipyego of Kenya, who came second.
