Africans keep the leading position at 2008 Mumbai Marathon

The Standard Chartered Marathon, nicknamed "The Greatest Race on Earth", held its third stage in Mumbai, India today. Because of the scorching hot weather in India, marathon runners had to adapt to the weather to overcome the challenge.

More than 30,000 runners participated in this race, joined by local NGOs and disabled who participated in a special charity short-distance running including 6km dream run, 4.3 km senior, and 2.5km wheel-chair classes. Gabriela Szabo, former Romanian Olympic Gold Medalist, named as charity ambassador of the race, was pleased by the participation from experts and NGOs.

An hour into the race, former champion Daniel Rono and Joseph Kimisi took the lead, but then Tariku Jifar from Ethiopia and defending champion John Ekiru Kelai took over Rono and Kimisi. After 40 kilometres, Kelai took a decisive lead and finally retained his champion title in 2 hours 12 minutes 22 seconds.

In the Women's Group, Mulu Seboka from Ethiopia won the champion with 2H30m03s. Local runners Surendra Singh & Kavita Raut won the Men's and Women's Champions in the half-marathon class.

Division Winners

Division & GroupsMen's GroupWomen's GroupSouth East AsiaDang Duc Bao Nguyen (Vietnam)2:30'57"Pacharee Chaitongsri (Thailand)2:55'29"North East AsiaChin-chi Chiang (Chinese Taipei)2:33'33"Xin Zhang (China)2:53'59"South Asia and Middle EastAjith Bandara Adikari Mudiyanselage (Sri Lanka)2:24'07"Lakmini Anuradhi Bogahawatta (Sri Lanka)3:04'21"AfricaJohn Ekiru Kelai (Kenya B)2:12'22"Irene Kemunto Mogaka (Kenya B)2:32'50"Europe and OceaniaOleg Kharitonov (Russia)2:30'55"Helen Stanton (Australia)2:52'33"AmericaPaulino Canchanya Canchanya (Peru)2:28'13"Rosangela Figueredo Silva (Brazil)2:58'16"

Division Team Leaders

Division & GroupsMen's GroupWomen's GroupSouth East AsiaVietnamThailandNorth East AsiaChinese TaipeiChinaSouth Asia & Middle EastIndiaSri LankaAfricaKenya BKenya BEurope & OceaniaRussiaFinlandAmericaPeruUnited States