Ashenafi was flanked by Hungarians Tamas Toth (2:24:36) and Zsolt Zsoder (2:24:55). To add to the spectacular Slovak Foreign Minister Mikulas Dzurinda finished in 3:39:20. Prime Minister State Secretary Mihaly Varga and the Government Spokesman Peter Szijjarto, had allegedly finished in 10th place in what has been dubbed as the marathon relay. World champion boxers Dariusz Michalczewski, Zsolt ” Madar” Erdei and Istvan ” Koko” Kovacs and also ran in the relay.

Organisers said that at least 14,000 participants enjoyed the run. In the women’s category Hungary’s Simona Staicu set a new record (2:37:47). She was followed by Hungarians Judit Nagy (2:52:23) and Mariann Oth (2:56:55). Hungarian President Pal Schmitt fired the starting shot."

By Tamas S. Kiss, published on XpatLoop.com with the permission of BudapestReport.com