Ankara: Spanish athlete Adel Mechaal claimed victory in the men's race while Derya Kunur from Trkiye secured the top spot in the women's category in Anadolu's 1920 Running Race.

According to Anadolu Agency, the event, held in the capital city of Ankara, saw Turkish participants dominate the women's category by taking the top three positions. Derya Kunur finished first with a time of 34 minutes and 54 seconds in the 10-kilometer race. Fatma Arik came in second at 35 minutes and 12 seconds, followed by Urkus Isik in third place with a time of 35 minutes and 26 seconds.

In the men's race, Adel Mechaal crossed the finish line in 29 minutes and 14 seconds. He was closely followed by Kenya's Obadiah Kiplangat Rop, who finished just two seconds later. Turkish runner Mert Selek secured third place with a time of 29 minutes and 46 seconds.

The race generated significant interest among sports enthusiasts, with registrations pouring in from various provinces of Trkiye and participation from international athletes. The first-place winners in the men's and women's categories received 100,000 Turkish liras, while second and third-place finishers were awarded 75,000 and 50,000 Turkish liras, respectively.

Athletes were also rewarded based on their performance in age-specific categories. The race featured participants aged 35 to 70 and above, with separate awards for each group. The event, starting at 10 am local time, was initiated by Ankara Governor Vasip Sahin and Anadolu CEO Serdar Karagoz, who later awarded medals to the top athletes.

The 1920 Running Race was supported by sponsors including Gokturk Holding, Ankara's Kecioren Municipality, Trendyol, Kizilay Natural Mineral Water, Mixmey, Nuh'un Ankara Makarnasi, and Acibadem Healthcare Group, with Yesilay acting as a social responsibility partner.