Abebe Bikila 1960, 64& Feyisa Lilesa 2016

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Tuesday, March 11, 2014

Ethiopians sweep 1st place in L.A. Marathon

Two runners from Ethiopia claimed top bragging rights at the Los Angeles Marathon, which saw temperatures hit 80 on Sunday.

Amane Gobena was first to cross the finish line in 2 hours, 27 minutes, 37 seconds. Gebo Burka won for the men in 2:10:37.

Goben beat Burka to the finish line by 41 seconds. That won her a $50,000 bonus in addition to the $25,000 first prize. Gobena placed second in the Los Angeles Marathon in 2009.

Tigist Tufa of Ethiopia finished second in 2:28:04 and American Lauren Kleppin was third in 2:28:48, some 13 minutes faster than her previous best.

Lani Rutto of Kenya was the second man to finish, in 2:10:48. Defending champion Erick Mose was third in 2:12:56.

The marathon wasn't all fun and games for some runners.

Paramedics said one 28-year-old man suffered a heart attack along the route and had to be resuscitated. Another had a seizure.

Firefighters said 28 people wee hospitalized and treated for mostly minor heat-related injuries following the race.

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The sunny, 80 degree heat proved hard for about 1,000 people who sought help at the 10 medical stations set up along the route.

Those not competing in the marathon had to maneuver around several road closures from Dodger Stadium to Santa Monica. The race also meant tighter security measures in light of last year's bombing at the Boston Marathon.