Peruvian long-distance runner Raul Pacheco Mendoza took first place at the 32th Mexico City Marathon for second year in a row.
The rain did not stop the Andean runner, who completed the 42-kilometer route in 2 hours, 18 minutes and 27 seconds.
He quickened his pace just 1,500 meters before the finish line, leaving behind five African runners who accompanied him during the last 30 kilometers. Kenyan Julius Keter claimed second place in the marathon.
The Peruvian athlete defended his title in the men’s category among 20,000 runners who were cheered and encouraged by over 40,000 people along the race; on the other hand, Ethiopian runner Amare Shewarge won in women's group.
The race began at 7:15 a.m. local time (1:15 p.m. GMT) in the middle of a heavy rain that was falling in Mexico City's downtown area. The finish line was located in the Olympic Stadium in the southern part of Mexico City.
According to organizers, both Pacheco and Shewarge won a 450,000 Mexican pesos prize (about US$ 34,500).