Ethiopian Getachew sets new Ljubljana Marathon record

Getachew won the main prize of 20,000 euros as well as a 3,000 euro bonus for the new record.

He said he had to find a way to motivate himself to run the record time after leaving behind his closest rivals at about kilometre 35.

"It was difficult, especially towards the end. I thank the people for supporting me," the winner said.

The Ethiopian Wami Mulugeta, who was 18 seconds adrift, and the Kenyan Rutto Samel, who finished 31 seconds behind the winner, rounded off the trifecta.

Mitja Kosovelj was the best Slovenian, finishing tenth with a time of 2 hours, 20 minutes and 53 seconds.

Victory in the women's competition also went to Ethiopia, as Melkaw Gizaw crossed the line at 2 hours, 25 minutes and 42 seconds, far ahead of the competition.

The Kenyans Rebecca Korir and Tuei Naomi also made the podium, respectively five and eight minutes behind the winner.

Neža Mrevlje, the best Slovenian, finished fifth, almost 24 minutes behind the winner.

The Ljubljana Marathon reaffirmed its position as the biggest sporting and recreational event in the country.

Over 3,000 runners competed in the main event, nearly 10,000 in the half-marathon and 7,500 in the 10-km run.