Abay Alemu edged out Tadesse Mamo by just one-hundredth of a second to win a thrilling men's race in the Belfast Marathon on Sunday.

The Ethiopian pair moved clear in the closing stages before a sprint finish which saw Alemu break the tape in 2:16:23.

"I'm very happy - the people were very nice," said Alemu.

"The weather was very cold and the pace was not good but the feeling is nice."

Abera Ketema made it an Ethiopian 1-2-3 by coming in third in a time of 2:17:38.

It was third time lucky for Lala Aziza Selsouli in the women's race as the Moroccan eased to victory as two runner-up finishes.

Selsouli clocked 2:38:00 and was followed home by City of Derry athlete Judith Storm, who ran a personal best of 2:39:09.

"This is my third time - I always wish to win and finally I did it," said Selsouli.

"I like this race, I like to run in Belfast and I'm very happy to win."

Melissa Gibson of Ealing completed the podium by finishing third in 2:42:44.

Aghadowey woman Jayne Bleakley retained the wheelchair title in 2:32:39.