Hamza Sahli wins Valladolid Half-Marathon in dramatic final sprint
Moroccan distance runner Hamza Sahli claimed victory at the 37th Valladolid Half-Marathon in Spain on Sunday, securing the top spot after a tightly contested race decided in the final metres.
Representing local club Atlético Campo Grande, Sahli completed the 21-kilometre course in 1 hour, 8 minutes and 32 seconds. His winning margin was just one second, underlining how closely fought the men's race remained until the finish.
Sahli edges Spanish rival in final sprint
Sahli faced strong competition from Spanish runner Vicente Viciosa, who finished immediately behind him in 1:08:33. The Moroccan athlete managed to produce the decisive acceleration at the end of the race, crossing the line ahead of his closest challenger.
David García completed the men's podium in 1:09:21, finishing less than a minute behind the winner.
The result adds another international success to Sahli's road-running record and highlights the presence of Moroccan athletes in European distance-running competitions.
Gema Martín leads women's field
The women's race was won by Spanish athlete Gema Martín, who completed the half-marathon distance in 1:17:47.
Paula García and Cristina Giurcanu followed her to complete the women's podium, as competitors tackled the same 21-kilometre route through Valladolid.
More than 4,000 runners take part
The 37th edition of the Valladolid Half-Marathon attracted more than 4,000 runners, creating a strong sporting atmosphere across the Spanish city.
The large field reflected the event's appeal among both competitive athletes and recreational runners, while the close finish in the men's race provided one of the highlights of the day.
For Sahli, the victory came down to a narrow margin, with only one second separating him from Viciosa at the finish. That final sprint ultimately secured the Moroccan athlete the Valladolid title.
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