Gobera, Jemal triumph at Great Bokoji Run

Ethiopian duo of Addison Gobera and Fozia Jemal won the men's and women's 12km race at the second edition of Great Bokoji Run held Sunday in Bokoji, Ethiopia.

The annual event sponsored by the Ethio Telecom and the Ethiopian Ministry of Tourism seeks to promote Bokoji as an athletics hub.

The remote town is home to world beaters including former Olympic champions Derartu Tulu, Kenenisa Bekele, Tirunesh Dibaba, Fatuma Roba and Tiki Gelena among others.

Gobera clocked 37:38.79 ahead of compatriots Kemal Hussein (37:51.88) and Dessalegn Girma (37:59.43) who finished second and third respectively.

"I am very happy for this win it was one of my best performance. My target is to become the best athlete in the world and participate in big races. My role models are great marathoners like Eliud Kipchoge and Kenenisa Bekele. I want to emulate them," Gobera said through a translator as he spoke in his native Oromo.

Kenya's Felix Kurui came home sixth in 38:13.04  while his compatriot Wesley Yego placed 11th.

"The course was tough as it was too slippery. I did my best and I am happy my body is responding well. I am going to continue working hard in training as I am looking forward to compete next in a half marathon race," said Kurui who has now set his sights on the Nairobi City Marathon slated for July 2.

"The course was very tough but it was a valuable experience to compete with Ethiopians in their backyard.

It was also a podium sweep in the women's race as Fozia Jemia triumphed in 44:51.56 ahead of Chalto Ipssa who finished second in 46:37.56. Zewednesh Huriss who settled for third in 47:18.18

The 12km elite race was preceded by junior races for budding athletes as athletics faithful thronged Bokoji Stadium in numbers.

Ethiopian Tourism Minister Amb. Nasissie Chali and the vice president of Oromia regional state Awolu Abdi were among the dignitaries who graced the event.

Chali said the annual event is key in promoting the country's tourism agenda as it is home to renowned athletes.

"Tourism has a great contribution in development of cities and towns and since this is the home of runners we want to give the recognition it deserves and welcome tourists from different parts of the world.

"We want to make this event grow and become better in the coming editions." Chali told Citizen Digital.

Fans and athletes were later sampled the Oromia culture in an exhibition held about two kilometres from the stadium.

LEADING RESULTS

Addison Gobera 37:38.79

Kemal Hussein 37:51.88

Dessalegn Girma 37:59.43

Negash Gemeda 38:07.27

Ashenafi Negesse 38:02.27

Women

Fozia Jemal 44:51.56

Chalto Ipssa 46:37.56

Zewednesh Huriss 47:18.18

Zewednesh Mamo 47:24.93