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Spanish runner Ricardo Rosado sacrifices victory to assist a struggling Kenyan athlete, embodying the true spirit of sportsmanship at Maratón de Málaga.
On a Sunday poised for a potential course record-breaking at the Malaga Marathon instead an incredible display of sportsmanship warmed hearts worldwide.
Kenyan runner Charles Mneria may have fallen short of the record, but it was Spanish athlete Ricardo Rosado who stole the spotlight with a selfless act of kindness.
![Kelvin Kiptum delivers acceptance speech in Swahili after clinching World Athlete of the Year award [VIDEO]](https://sportal365images.com/process/smp-images-production/ringier.africa/12122023/99cf71dc-c674-4251-a032-afb585e0c8ae.jpg?operations=fit(:350))
17:02 - 12.12.2023
ATHLETICS Kelvin Kiptum delivers acceptance speech in Swahili after clinching World Athlete of the Year award [VIDEO]
Kiptum achieved his world record in Chicago back in October which boosted his chances of winning the maiden World Athlete of the Year Outside Stadia award.
Under the clear skies and perfect weather conditions of Malaga city's Paseo del Parque, expectations were high as 29 elite athletes, mostly of African descent, embarked on the marathon journey.
Early on, a promising pace set the stage for a thrilling race, but around the 30-kilometer mark, a shift in momentum dashed hopes of a record-setting run.
In the end, it was Charles Mneria who emerged as the leader during the final five kilometers, claiming victory with a time of 2:08:54, just shy of the 2:07:36 record set in 2021.
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16:33 - 12.12.2023
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Moroccan Abdelilah El Maimouni and Kenyan Musa Kipsoyan secured the second and third spots, respectively.
In the women's category, Kenyan Pamela Jepkosgei thrilled spectators with a victory in 2:33:52. A fierce battle for second and third place unfolded between Moldova's Lilia Fisikovici and Sweden's Hanna Lindholm.
Yet, amidst the fierce competition, it was the act of sportsmanship displayed by Spanish athlete Ricardo Rosado that left a lasting impression on everyone present.
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14:00 - 12.12.2023
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Rosado, poised to become the first Spanish finisher, chose a remarkable path. In the final moments of the race, he decided to sacrifice his own position to assist his competitor, Evans Kimtai Kiprono of Kenya.
As Rosado approached the finish line, he refrained from overtaking Kiprono, who was struggling with physical exhaustion and fighting to stay on his feet.
Instead, Rosado slowed his pace and, with a heart full of compassion, grabbed his rival by the waist.
He then accompanied Kiprono through the last steps, ensuring that Kiprono completed the marathon ahead of him, securing fifth place. Rosado, in an astonishing act of sportsmanship, finished sixth.
For his extraordinary gesture, Rosado was awarded €1,000 (Ksh 165,000) for being the top Spanish finisher with a time of 2:14:23.
Race officials and spectators alike commended Rosado's remarkable act of sportsmanship.
"The gesture by Rosado just meters from the finish line to help a Kenyan athlete demonstrates the solidarity and values that make this sport great and with which we feel identified," said race Javier Aguirre de Cárce as per Canadian Running.
17:02 - 12.12.2023
ATHLETICS Kelvin Kiptum delivers acceptance speech in Swahili after clinching World Athlete of the Year award [VIDEO]
Kiptum achieved his world record in Chicago back in October which boosted his chances of winning the maiden World Athlete of the Year Outside Stadia award.
Immediately after crossing the finish line in 2:14:22, Kiprono was escorted to the hospital due to dehydration.
The race organizers recognized Rosado's incredible sportsmanship by awarding him the €500 ( Ksh 82,0000) corresponding to fifth place, even though he officially finished sixth.
Follow our Pulse Sports WhatsApp channel for more updates.
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