The 50th Berlin Marathon, which took place on Sunday, saw Ethiopian runners Milkesa Mengesha and Tigist Ketema emerge victorious in the men’s and women’s divisions, respectively.
On Sunday, during the 50th Berlin Marathon, Ethiopian runners Milkesa Mengesha and Tigist Ketema achieved remarkable victories in the men’s and women’s divisions, respectively. The 24-year-old Mengesha delivered an outstanding performance, recording a personal best of 2 hours, 3 minutes, and 17 seconds, which placed him ahead of Kenyan competitors Cybrian Kotut and Stephen Kiprop. Ethiopian athlete Haymanot Alew secured fourth place. Following his finish, Mengesha collapsed, visibly emotional and wiping away tears. In the women’s event, Ketema established a significant lead before reaching the halfway point, ultimately finishing with a time of 2:16:42, marking the third fastest time ever recorded in Berlin. Her fellow Ethiopians, Mestawot Fikir and Bosena Mulatie, completed the race in 2:18:48 and 2:19:00, respectively. The weather was ideal, featuring a sunny and crisp autumn day in the German capital.
Tigist Ketema has made a significant impact in the realm of competitive running. During the previous year’s women’s elite race, Tigst Assefa astounded spectators by achieving a remarkable time of 2:11:53, thereby setting a new world record. This year, however, it was Ketema who captured the spotlight and drew attention to her impressive performance.
At the onset of the race, Ketema strategically placed herself among a group of male pacemakers, who were tasked with maintaining a pace of 2:16:00. Prior to this event, her personal best was recorded at 2:16:07 during her debut marathon at the Dubai Marathon in January. This time not only marked a personal milestone for Ketema but also represented the fastest debut marathon time ever recorded by a woman, indicating her potential for further achievements.
With the flat terrain of Berlin as her backdrop, Ketema appeared determined to surpass her previous record. Her focus and ambition were evident as she aimed to capitalize on the favorable conditions, showcasing her readiness to elevate her performance and make her mark in the marathon world.
Mengesha, aged 24, showcased an exceptional performance, achieving a personal best of 2 hours, 3 minutes, and 17 seconds, finishing ahead of Kenyan runners Cybrian Kotut and Stephen Kiprop. Haymanot Alew from Ethiopia finished in fourth place. After crossing the finish line, Mengesha collapsed, visibly emotional and shedding tears. In the women’s race, Ketema took a commanding lead before the halfway mark, concluding with a time of 2:16:42, which is the third fastest time recorded in Berlin’s history. Her compatriots, Mestawot Fikir and Bosena Mulatie, finished in 2:18:48 and 2:19:00, respectively. The event was held under perfect weather conditions, characterized by a sunny and crisp autumn day in the German capital.
Ethiopian athletes Milkesa Mengesha and Tigist Ketema claimed victory in their respective categories at the 50th Berlin Marathon held on Sunday. Mengesha, who is 24 years old, showcased an outstanding performance, clocking a personal best time of 2 hours, 3 minutes, and 17 seconds. This remarkable achievement placed him ahead of his Kenyan competitors, Cybrian Kotut and Stephen Kiprop, while fellow Ethiopian Haymanot Alew secured the fourth position. Following the race, Mengesha was seen collapsing in a moment of overwhelming emotion, visibly wiping away tears.
The weather conditions were ideal for the marathon, characterized by a sunny and crisp autumn day in Berlin, which contributed to the athletes’ performances. The atmosphere was electric as participants and spectators alike enjoyed the vibrant setting of the German capital, enhancing the overall experience of the event.
This year’s marathon witnessed a record participation of 58,212 runners hailing from 161 different nations, making it a truly global event. The Berlin Marathon is renowned for its fast course, having previously seen the establishment of 13 world records, and while expectations for new records were tempered following the recent Olympic Games, the excitement surrounding the event remained palpable.
Source: AP
