THE SIDELINES : Mota Wins Women’s Marathon

SPLIT, Yugoslavia — Rosa Mota of Portugal fought off a strong challenge from Valentina Yegorova of the Soviet Union and won the gold medal in the women’s marathon for a record third consecutive time at the European Track and Field Championships today.

Mota, 32, the world and Olympic champion from Portugal who has dominated the women’s marathon in recent years, opened a big lead from the start but had to fight hard to stay ahead of Yegorova in the late stages of the 26-mile, 385-yard race, held in muggy weather and over a hilly course.

The bronze medal went to Maria Rebello-Lelut of France.