Ethiopian runner Haile Gebrselassie has kept his record perfect in half-marathon races with a victory in the New York City Half-Marathon.
Gebrselassie took the lead about two-thirds of the way through Sunday's 21-kilometer race before crossing the finish line all alone in 59 minutes and 24 seconds. It was his eighth half-marathon win in eight attempts.
The two-time Olympic gold medalist finished one minute and five seconds ahead of American Abdi Abdirahman of the United States (1:00:29). Two-time Boston Marathon champion Robert Cheruiyot of Kenya was third, another 29 seconds back (1:00:58).
Hilda Kibet of Kenya outsprinted defending champion and countrywoman Catherine Ndereba down the home stretch to win the women's race in one hour, 10 minutes and 32 seconds. Ndereba took second place, one second back.
Nina Rillstone of New Zealand was the surprise leader until Kibet and Ndereba passed her in the last 500 meters. She finished third, another two seconds behind.