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It's fair to say things were not supposed to go this way at the Venice Marathon.

It would've been little surprise if Kenya's Gilbert Kipleting Chumba had won the race Sunday — or maybe it could have been his countryman David Kiprono Metto. And in fact, both of those favorites were among the leaders roughly 16 miles into the marathon.

Led astray by a guide motorcycle, the small pack of runners leading the marathon followed the errant rider several hundred meters off course and apparently onto a main thoroughfare. A video captured the crucial, crushing moment the runners learned of the error and turned back.

Leaders get lost during Venice marathon, local takes advantage

Delayed by about 2 minutes, according to 

, a local who was reportedly running in only his second marathon. Faniel, who has been referred to by both surnames, runs for the Venice Marathon Club. The Eritrean-born Italian made his official marathon debut in Florence last year, 

 by the International Association of Athletics Federations.

https://twitter.com/atleticaitalia/status/922043743452180482

"Today's race shows that the work is paying off," Faniel said after the marathon, according to 

. "It was not an easy race as I had to run alone on the Ponte della Liberta. I dedicate the win to myself as I have always believed in my work despite all the difficulties."

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Colin Dwyer

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In a bizarre twist, the city's own Eyob Ghebrehiwet Faniel won after leading racers followed an errant motorcycle. In the process, Faniel became the first local to win the marathon in 22 years.

Italian runner wins Venice Marathon after all the favorites take a wrong turn

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