(MENAFN) Kenya’s Rhonzas Lokitam Kilimo triumphed in the men’s race at the annual Istanbul Marathon, finishing the 42.195-kilometer course in 2 hours, 10 minutes, and 12 seconds.

Defending champion from last year, Kenyan runner Dejene Debela, came in second place with a time of 2 hours, 10 minutes, and 23 seconds. Ethiopia’s Sufaro Woliyi followed closely in third, clocking 2 hours, 10 minutes, and 26 seconds.

In the women’s race, Ethiopia’s Bizuager Aderra emerged victorious, completing the course in 2 hours, 26 minutes, and 19 seconds.

Her compatriot, Sofia Assefa, was a close second at 2 hours, 26 minutes, and 21 seconds. Kenya’s Joan Jepkosgei secured third place, finishing in 2 hours, 26 minutes, and 36 seconds.

The event, held annually, attracted thousands of professional and amateur athletes, offering a unique challenge as they ran between two continents, crossing Istanbul's famous Bosphorus Strait.

The top three finishers in both categories received substantial cash prizes: $50,000 for first place, $20,000 for second, and $10,000 for third.

The prize pool extended to the eighth-place finishers, each earning $1,000. In addition, separate awards were designated for the best Turkish runners.

The top five Turkish male and female athletes shared a total of 400,000 Turkish liras ($9,515).

The first-place Turkish runner received 60,000 liras ($1,428), with second through fifth places earning 50,000 liras ($1,190), 40,000 liras ($952), 30,000 liras ($714), and 20,000 liras ($476), respectively.

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