2013 C&D Xiamen International Marathon: Men's Title Sets New Record in China

XIAMEN, China, Jan. 7, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- The 2013 C&D Xiamen International Marathon came to a successful conclusion in the coastal city of Xiamen on January 5. Ethiopia's Getachew Terfa Negari won the men's title, clocking in at 2 hours, 7 minutes and 32 seconds, breaking the course record and setting the record for all marathon races ever held in China. Fatuma Sado Dergo, also from Ethiopia, clinched the women's title in 2 hours, 27 minutes and 35 seconds.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130107/CN37553)

The Xiamen International Marathon has concluded its 11th year. The 2013 race featured 73,896 entrants from 45 countries and regions, including 25,049 full marathon runners. Champions in all categories broke former records. The top three men from last year also participated this year. The race had four starting times and began and ended at the Xiamen International Conference & Exhibition Center.

In the men's group, Kenya's Chumba, who took an early lead, had to drop out due to physical difficulties in the last few kilometers. Behind Negari, Kipchumba of Kenya and Warga of Ethiopia finished second and third, respectively.

In the women's group, Kirwa, with the best qualifying time, led at the start, but Ethiopia's Dergo surpassed her and finished first with 2 hours, 27 minutes and 35 seconds.

The 2013 C&D Xiamen International Marathon was again co-organized by the Chinese Athletics Association and People's Government of the City of Xiamen and featured six categories: Marathon, Half Marathon, 10KM Run, 5KM Run, Wheelchair Half Marathon and Roller Skating. Starting this year, 10-time finishers within gate closing time were entitled to a permanent race number and a special number bib when they sign up for a new event. Eight athletes were able to choose their favorite numbers this year.

About Xiamen, China

Xiamen is called the Garden on the Sea while often being described as "a city on the sea, the sea in the city". Xiamen is not only an UN Habitat Scroll of Honour Award City, a National Civilized City and one of the five Special Economic Zones set up during the launch of China's opening-up and reform policy, but also a modern international port, a scenic tourism city, a center with modern services industries and technical innovations, and an international transportation hub.