Race of São Silvestre Brazil

Ethiopian wins San Silvestre in the final start; Kenyan beat record.

Eduardo Anizelli / Folhapress

In a spectacular arrival, the Ethiopian Leul Aleme managed a rush to win the men's match at São Silvestre on Saturday in São Paulo. He completed the event in 44min52, failing to surpass the historic record of Kenyan legend Paul Tergat (43min12 in 1995).

Aleme outclassed his compatriot Dawit Admasu in the final stretch on Avenida Paulista, champion of the race in 2014, who completed the course in 44min55. Kenyans Stephen Kosgei closed the first three places with a time of 45 minutes.

Fighting for the lead up the Avenue Brigadeiro Luis Antonio, the Brazilian Giovani dos Santos was in fourth place, making the course in 45min30. Willian Kibor of Kenya completed the top five with 45:49.

Record in the feminine

Already among women, the 2016 Olympic champion of the Rio 2016 marathon, Kenyan Jemima Sumgong, dominated the event and beat the women's record with a time of 48min34. The best previous time belonged to Priscah Jeptoo, who did 48min48s in 2011.

Specialist in long-distance races, Sumgong has adapted well to the streets of São Paulo and has added another important title this season. The Kenyan also won the London Marathon in 2016.

Second place went to Kenyan Flomena Cheyech with 49.14. Eunice Chumba of the Bahamas (50min24), Ethiopian Ymer Ayalew (51min40) and Kenyan Ester Kakuri (51min45) completed the first five placings.

The best Brazilian in the race was Tatiele de Carvalho, who finished in seventh place.