Ethiopian Runners Complete Berlin Marathon Double
In a remarkable display of athletic dominance, Ethiopian runners Milkesa Mengesha and Tigist Ketema claimed victories in both the men’s and women’s races at the 2024 Berlin Marathon, held on September 29. The event showcased Ethiopia’s strength in long-distance running, as its athletes secured five of the six podium spots.
Mengesha, 24, triumphed in the men’s race, crossing the finish line in 2 hours, 3 minutes, and 17 seconds, just five seconds ahead of Kenya’s Cybrian Kotut. Fellow Ethiopian Haymanot Alew took third place, adding another podium spot for the country.
In the women’s race, 26-year-old Tigist Ketema led the pack, completing the marathon in 2 hours, 16 minutes, and 42 seconds. Her compatriots Mestawot Fikir and Bosena Mulatie finished second and third, respectively, more than two minutes behind her. While Ketema’s time was five minutes slower than the world record set by fellow Ethiopian Tigist Assefa last year, it was still the third-fastest finish in Berlin Marathon history.
Great Britain’s Calli Hauger-Thackery, 31, was the first European finisher, securing seventh place with a personal best of 2 hours, 21 minutes, and 24 seconds, making it the sixth-fastest marathon ever run by a British woman.
In the men’s wheelchair race, Switzerland’s Marcel Hug clinched victory with a time of 1:27:18, while British racer David Weir finished second, trailing by 1 minute and 47 seconds.
The Berlin Marathon, celebrating its 50th edition this year, saw fewer star participants due to its proximity to the Paris Olympics. Notably absent was Kenya’s five-time winner Eliud Kipchoge, who had set a world record in the 2022 event. Despite this, the competition remained fierce, with Ethiopia cementing its reputation as a marathon powerhouse.
