Ethiopia's Merga wins New Delhi Half Marathon

NEW DELHI (AP) — Deriba Merga of Ethiopia retained his New Delhi Half Marathon title Sunday, while Kenya's Mary Keitany dominated the women in a race joined by thousands of Indian participants.
Merga, who this year won the Houston and Boston Marathons, faced stiff competition from compatriot Eshetu Wendimu and last year's runner-up Wilson Kipsang of Kenya over the 21.1 kilometers (13.1 miles) before winning in 59:54 minutes, the Press Trust of India news agency reported.

Wendimu finished second in 1:00:02, followed by Kipsang with 1:00:04.

In the women's category, Keitany took 1:06:54 to reach the finish line ahead of Ethiopia's Ayelew Wude (1:07:58) and compatriot Aberu Kebede (1:07:59).

The Indian Olympics Association chief Suresh Kalmadi started the race, that included 8,429 participants, including 266 foreigners.