Ethiopian Atsedu Tsegay, Kenya's Geoffrey Kipsang battle odds at Delhi half-marathon

NEW DELHI: The top two finishers of this year's Delhi Half Marathon men's elite race epitomise the grit and determination that is associated with long-distance running.

Ethiopian Atsedu Tsegay, this year's winner who shattered the course record en route to his triumph, was going through a difficult time as he was recovering from an injury due to which he could not compete in any event throughout the year.

"Since last year, I had the ankle injury. I am happy that I have clocked 59 minutes mark. This is my first race in the year," said Tsegay.

The runner-up, Kenya's Geoffrey Kipsang was dealing with immense emotional stress as he had lost his brother prior to the event but decided to go on and compete.

"I lost my brother prior to the race. That was difficult because I had to go back to Kenya but I decided to stay back and run," said Kipsang.

Former world junior cross champion Kipsang wanted to finish the race at the top as that would have been the perfect homage to his departed brother, but eventually came second.

"I tried hard but it was difficult. I wanted to win the race but I failed," said the Kenyan athlete after the race.