Ethiopian athletes claimed a triumphant victory at this year’s Berlin Marathon, sweeping both the men’s and women’s categories and securing their place at the top of the podium. Milkesa Mengesha led the charge in the men’s race, crossing the finish line with a personal best of just over 2 hours and 3 minutes. Mengesha’s impressive performance showcased Ethiopia’s enduring strength in long-distance running.
Haymanot Alew also put on a strong showing, but narrowly missed out on second place to Kenya’s Cybrian Kotut, finishing third. Alew’s placement contributed to Ethiopia’s dominance in this year’s competition, highlighting the country’s formidable depth in the sport.
The women’s race was similarly dominated by Ethiopian athletes, with Tigist Ketema taking the top spot with a time of 2 hours, 16 minutes, and 42 seconds. She was followed closely by her fellow Ethiopians Mestawut Fikir and Bosena Mulatie, who completed the race in second and third places, respectively. The clean sweep in the women’s race underscored Ethiopia’s superiority in marathon running on the global stage.
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This year’s Berlin Marathon marked a historic edition, as it was the first time since 2014 that the event took place without two of the sport’s most iconic figures—Kenya’s Eliud Kipchoge and Ethiopia’s Kenenisa Bekele. Despite their absence, the Ethiopian runners rose to the occasion, making sure that their country remained well-represented in the spotlight.
The 2024 edition of the Berlin Marathon also saw a record-breaking turnout, with over 58,000 athletes from 161 nations taking part in the race. The surge in participation is a testament to the event’s growing prestige, attracting runners from all corners of the globe.
With Ethiopia’s clean sweep at the marathon, the nation once again affirmed its dominance in long-distance running, adding to its rich legacy of athletic excellence. As the marathon season continues, the world will be watching to see how these athletes build on their remarkable achievements in Berlin.
