French runner wins Istanbul Marathon

French long-distance runner Abraham Kiprotich beat rivals to win the 42km Istanbul Marathon here Sunday with a time of 2:12:28.

He was followed by Ethiopians Siraj Gena Amda and Deriba Merga Ejigu in 2:13:19 and 2:14:43, reports Xinhua.

Around 20,000 athletes are competed in the event, formerly known as the Eurasia Marathon, this year sponsored by Vodafone.

The marathon, which offers a total prize of one million dollars, boasts the only course in the world involving two continents, Asia and Europe, in one race.