Abay Alemu edged out Tadesse Mamo by just one-hundredth of a second to win a thrilling Belfast Marathon on Sunday.
The Ethiopian pair moved clear in the closing stages before a sprint finish which saw Alemu break the tape in 2:16:23.
“I’m very happy – the people were very nice,” said Alemu.
“The weather was very cold and the pace was not good but the feeling is nice.”
Abera Ketema made it an Ethiopian 1-2-3 by coming in third in a time of 2:17:38.
It was third time lucky for Lala Aziza Selsouli in the women’s race as the Moroccan eased to victory as two runner-up finishes.
Selsouli clocked 2:38:00 and was followed home by City of Derry athlete Judith Storm, who ran a personal best of 2:39:09.
“This is my third time – I always wish to win and finally I did it,” said Selsouli.
“I like this race, I like to run in Belfast and I’m very happy to win.”
Melissa Gibson of Ealing completed the podium by finishing third in 2:42:44.
Aghadowey woman Jayne Bleakley retained the wheelchair title in 2:32:39.
Bleakley, who competed in the London Marathon last weekend, won last year’s race in her first marathon at the age of 44.
“That was fun but it was really tough and I had major technical difficulties on the way round,” she said.
“So I can’t be disappopinted with my time. I though I could still get that PB and I was chasing it the whole way round.
“It didn’t happen but I had great fun and it was brilliant.”