Bembe of South Africa wins Dong-a Marathon

Josia Bembe of South Africa won the 2001 Dong-a Seoul International Marathon Sunday in 2:11:49, outrunning his countryman Josia Thugwane over the final 400 meters at Olympic Stadium.

Atlanta Olympics gold medalist Thugwane finished second in 2:11:52, followed by Japan`s Miki Hiroshi who clocked 2:11:55. Still suffering the ill effects of an injured knee, Kim E-Yong had the best finish among Korean marathoners, coming in sixth in 2:12:19.

Bembe entered the stadium behind Thugwane but outpaced the Olympic champion over the final stretch.

In the women`s race, Korea`s Yoon Sun-Sook finished first in 2:32:09 ahead of Ethiopia`s Abebe Tola, who clocked 2:32:58. Third place went to Korea`s Kim Ok-Bin, who finished in 2:35:44.