Ethiopian Lemi Berhanu Hayle won the 29th edition of the Prague Marathon in commanding fashion, running away from the field at 25km and not giving anyone else a chance.

His winning time was 2:08:44, some 1 minute and 44seconds ahead of 2nd place Kipkemoi Kiprono. Martin Edlman (2:22:19) produced the surprise performance of the day, becoming the first Czech finisher in what, with over 8,000 runners taking part, has become one of the most prestigious marathons in the world.

"The race had a great standard,” said Carlo Capalbo, president of the RunCzech organizing committee, whose events have been awarded World Athletics labels. “You never get tired of seeing the joy on the runners' faces.

“We are all already looking forward to the jubilee thirtieth year." Last year's race record by Alexander Mutiso still stands (2:05:09), but Lemi Berhanu Hayle, winner of the 2016 Boston Marathon, put on a great performance.

"I am very happy,” Hayle said. “I wanted to win here.

“And it worked, so I'm very happy. It was difficult mainly because of the nasty wind." Kenyan Kipkemoi Kiprono (2:10:28) was in second place, while his compatriot Joshua Kipkemboi Kogo (2:10:51) secured 3rd place on the podium.

The event had a high-quality field of athletes taking part, with four runners who had already run under 2hrs 05 minutes competing for the win. Herpasa Negasa Kitesa, Abebe Negewo Degefa, Lemi Berhanu Hayle and Abayneh Degu Tsehay all came to the race in good form, but Hayle was able to pull away from them with ease and secure a clear victory.

"I felt very good from the beginning,” said the Ethiopian champion. “It was a beautiful race. Prague is beautiful and the fans cheered us on all along the track.

“I would like to come back here again. It came out perfectly."

In the women’s race, Ethiopian Bedatu Hirpa Badane (2:23:41) reigned supreme, surprising even the biggest favourites. In 2nd place some 1minute and 9 seconds behind, was the Kenyan Dorcas Jepchirchir Tuitoek (2:24:50), followed by another Ethiopian endurance athlete Amare Shewarge Alene (2:27:32) who at 37 years of age was only minutes behind her personal best, despite the challenging conditions.

The Czech Republic champion was Petra Pastorová (2:47:03). "I am extremely happy,” said the 47-year-old winner.

“Considering my age, it was difficult, but I enjoyed it."