Doha: African diaspora cheer on athletics stars

Kenya's Hellen Obiri celebrates winning the Women's 5000m final at the 2019 IAAF Athletics World Championships at the Khalifa International Stadium in Doha on October 5, 2019. [Photo by ANDREJ ISAKOVIC / AFP]

Dozens of African running fans lined Doha’s seafront to glimpse their countrymen vie for gold in the World Athletics Championships men’s marathon, singing loudly and brandishing national flags. 

At the halfway point, all six of the leaders were from Africa, and Ethiopians were first and second across the line while Kenya’s Amos Kipruto picked up bronze following the midnight event.