Beppu, Japan – Yakob Jarso of Ethiopia made his marathon debut by finishing 3rd at the 61st Beppu-Oita Marathon here today, while his Ethiopian compatriot Desta Gebrehiwet came in 6th.

Kenyan Harun Njoroge won the race in 2:09:38, the first sub-2:10 performance of his career.

The Beppu-Oita Marathon is an IAAF Silver Label Road Race.

Marathon debutant Yakob Jarso of Ethiopia finished third with 2:11:13. He ran aggressively after 27 kilometres taking the lead several times in his attempt to break away. However at the end, Jarso failed not only to shake off Njoroge, but was unable to keep up with when the Kenyan made a surge of his own.

Desta Gebrehiwet who finished sixth with 2:12:22, was the first runner who failed to set a personal best today.

Results:

1. Harun Njoroge (Kenya) 2:09:38 PB

2. Bat-Ochir (Mongolia) 2:11:05 PB

3. Yakob Jarso (Ethiopia) 2:11:13 Debut

6. Desta Gebrehiwet (Ethiopia) 2:12:22


Source: http://www.ethiosports.com/