Spanish athlete helped Kenyan athlete to finish first

Instead of overtaking, runner Ricardo Rosado slowed down to help rival Evans Kimtai Kiprono of Kenya finish first at the Malaga marathon 2023 last weekend.

Giải Malaga marathon 2023: VĐV Tây Ban Nha nhường và dìu KĐV Kenya về đích trước

Marathon runners Ricardo Rosado and Evans Kimtai Kiprono. (Source: EL Mundo)

As the race entered its final metres, Ricardo Rosado and Evans Kimtai Kiprono were running in 6th and 5th place respectively. But as they neared the finish line, the Kenyan athlete was exhausted and could not continue running.

Instead of taking the opportunity to overtake and finish first, Rosado slowed down and helped Evans Kimtai Kiprono to the finish line. He also let Kiprono touch the finish line first, accepting 6th place.

In an interview with Malaga Hoy later, the Spaniard said: "Running a marathon is an experience. Today he was better than me the whole race so I think he deserved to come fifth. You have to empathize with your opponent and I will continue to do that."

As the first Spanish athlete to finish with a time of 2 hours 14 minutes 23 seconds, Rosado received 1,000 Euros. But he missed out on the 500 Euros bonus for the fifth place finisher.

However, according to local media, the organizers awarded him an additional 500 euros for his fifth place finish for his noble act of sportsmanship . "Rosado's act of helping his Kenyan rival just meters from the finish line shows the spirit of solidarity and the values that make this sport great."

According to El Mundo newspaper, after finishing, Kiprono was immediately taken to the hospital for treatment for dehydration.

At the Malaga marathon on December 10, Kiprono's fellow Kenyan Charles Mneria finished first in the men's race in 2 hours, 8 minutes, 54 seconds. Abdelilah El Maimouni of Morocco finished second and another Kenyan, Musa Kipsoyan, third.

In the women's category, Kenyan Pamela Jepkosgei finished first, followed by Moldova's Lilia Fisikovici and Sweden's Hanna Lindholm.

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