Mare Dibaba of Ethiopia after crossing the finish line to win gold in the women's marathon final during Day 9 of the 2015 IAAF world track and field championships in Beijing, China on Sunday. (Getty Images)
The Associated Press
By Pat Graham
Mare Dibaba won the first women’s marathon title for Ethiopia at the IAAF world track and field championships Sunday, holding off Helah Kiprop of Kenya in a sprint to the finish.
Dibaba finished in two hours 27 minutes 35 seconds in Beijing, but needed to pick up the pace after entering the stadium to beat Kiprop, who finished one second behind. Eunice Kirwa of Bahrain earned the bronze.
Two-time champion Edna Kiplagat was in contention until the end but faded to fifth place.
With the stadium in sight, Dibaba kept checking her watch, waiting to make her move. Just after entering the tunnel, she took control and raised her arms after crossing the line.
She certainly has a fitting name for a champion. However, she’s not related to Ethiopian long-distance greats Tirunesh and Genzebe Dibaba.
Photos: Mare Dibaba Wins Women’s Marathon – IAAF World Championships, Beijing 2015
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