Namibia's Johannes wins Nagoya Women's Marathon, sets Namibian record

WINDHOEK, March 10 (Xinhua) -- 2018 Commonwealth Games champion Helalia Johannes of Namibia stunned Kenyans Visiline Jepkesho and Valary Jemeli at the Nagoya Dome finish line to win the Nagoya Women's marathon by 2 hours, 22 minutes and 25 seconds on Sunday.

Athletics Namibia on its website on Sunday said: "Helalia Johannes won the Nagoya Women's marathon in Nagoya, Japan. She won the race in a personal best time and new national record of 2:22:25. As the winner of the largest Women's marathon in the world, she was also awarded the first 'Association of International marathons and Distance Races (AIMS) Inspirational Women Award.'"

Jepkesho finished with a time of 2:22:58 while her Kenyan counterpart finished with 2:23:01, despite the pair having led at the 35-kilometer mark.

However, Johannes pulled away from the runners after 41 kilometers to win the title.