China's Alatan Gadasu won on Sunday the 50km Challenger International Speedwalking event with a time of 3:57:53 in Tlalnepantla, in the state of Mexico, beating local Omar Zepeda with 3:58:25 into second place.

Spain's Jesus Garcia Bragado came in third with 3:58:35.

Gadasu began the race behind Mexico's Claudio Vargas, who, in his hunger for victory, wore himself out. Gadasu, one of the champions in the race at home, stayed within the leading group until 30km, when he upped the pace and separated from the pack, increasing his lead from that moment on.

Holding a steady pace of 4.35 minutes per km, his lead increase with every completion of the 2km circuit.

After the race, the ethnic-Mongolian told the media: "I didn't plot any particular strategy. Competing at altitude is difficult so I kept myself within the pack until I felt strong enough and then I took myself forward."

(Xinhua News Agency March 27, 2006)