Ethiopians swept the 5,000m race at the Diamond League season-finale in Brussels with Berihu Aregawi claiming victory after shaking of two of his compatriots.
Ethiopia’s Berihu Aregawi held off a stiff challenge from compatriot Habos Gebrhiwet to claim the Diamond League Trophy in Brussels, Belgium on Friday.
Aregawi ran a smart race, staying in the leading pack for most of it before shaking off his challengers in the final two laps.
However, Gebrhiwet and another Ethiopian Haile Bekele stayed with him before setting up a grandstand finish.
Aregawi would clock 12:43.66 to win the race, as Gebrhiwet claimed second place in 12:44.25, while Bekele completed the podium in 12:45.63.
Kenya’s Nicholas Kipkorir managed fourth place in a time of 12:49.59, a season’s best, having come just ahead of Ethiopian Yomif Kejelcha, who also managed a season’s best, having finished fifth in 12:51.21.
Kejelcha appeared to be the one to beat at some point in the race but faded off badly when his compatriots put on the afterburners.
Aregawi needed a strong finish to win the race after Gebrhiwet had threatened to spoil his party.