BEIJING -- Romanian marathoner Constantina Tomescu added her country Sunday morning a gold medal at the Beijing Olympics while Chinese Zhou Chunxiu created her country's Olympic best by getting a bronze.

Romanian marathoner Constantina Tomescu crosses the finish line to win a gold medal at the Beijing Olympics in the National Stadium August 17, 2008. [Xinhua]

The 38-year-old Tomescu clocked 2 hours 26 minutes 44 seconds and Zhou finished in 2:27.07, or her second personal best.

Catherine Ndereba of Kenya won the silver, with a result of 2:27.06. Zhu Xiaolin, also from China, was the fourth in 2:27.16.

Catherine Ndereba of Kenya (R) approaches the finish line ahead of Zhou Chunxiu of China during the women's marathon of the athletics competition of the Beijing 2008 Olmypic Games in the National Stadium August 17, 2008. [Agencies]