Ethiopian runners shine at Berlin Marathon 50th edition

The Berlin Marathon, held on a Sunday, witnessed a remarkable performance by Ethiopian athletes, marking the 50th edition of the event. Milkesa Mengesha, aged 24, achieved a personal best of 2:03:17, narrowly defeating Kenya's Cybrian Kotut by five seconds. Mengesha's victory was characterized by a fierce competition in the final stretch, showcasing his determination after a previous setback at the London Marathon. In the women's race, 26-year-old Tigist Ketema claimed victory with a time of 2:16:42, more than two minutes ahead of her compatriots Mestawot Fikir and Bosena Mulatie, who completed an all-Ethiopian podium. Ketema's performance was notable as it marked her second marathon, following a strong debut earlier in the year. The race conditions were sunny, which affected the pace of the leading men’s group, who initially set a strong tempo. Despite the challenging weather, Mengesha and Kotut broke away from the pack before the 40-kilometer mark, leading to an exhilarating finish. Ketema, on the other hand, established an early lead and maintained it throughout the race, demonstrating her potential as a formidable marathon runner. This event not only highlighted the dominance of Ethiopian runners in long-distance events but also set the stage for the autumn marathon season. The absence of several top competitors, including five-time winner Eliud Kipchoge, added a unique dynamic to the race, allowing new talents to shine.