![](https://cos-cdn.shuashuati.com/pipixue-wap/2020-1230-1107-56/ti_inject-812ce.png)
This year the 1)__________ was on for many of the athletes in the elite race. With the Beijing Olympics just 2)__________, they wanted to 3)__________as Olympic marathon hopefuls for their countries. If they perform well in the marathon, they have a very good chance of being in the Olympic marathon event and doing well in it. The men's race was won by a Kenyan, Martin Lel, who finished the race in just two hours and five minutes, a 4)__________for him. Irina Mikitenko was the winner of the 5)__________and this was 6)__________only her second race at marathon distance!