Emmah Ndiwa dominates in Cali

But that was far from assured at the onset of proceedings, since Gabriel Geay of Tanzania was the outstanding favourite in the men’s race, as was Helalia Johannes of Namibia on the women’s.

The latter never featured in the leading group, which was already down to three – Ndiwa and the Ethiopians Nigist Muluneh and Adenech Mekonnen – by halfway in 74:50.

Ndiwa dropped her rivals shortly after halfway, at which point she caught former (men’s) world record holder, 41 year old Dennis Kimetto. She said afterwards, ‘I didn’t expect to be running alone from 21k, so I focussed on holding my form and getting to the finish line in first place’.