Ethiopian runners complete Berlin Marathon double
For the second year in a row, Ethiopian runners have dominated the Berlin Marathon, with Kenenisa Bekele and Ashete Bekere claiming victory in the men’s and women’s races, respectively.
Bekele finished the race with a time of 2 hours, 1 minute, and 41 seconds, just two seconds short of the world record. Bekere crossed the finish line in 2 hours, 20 minutes, and 14 seconds, securing her first major marathon win.
The Ethiopian runners’ success in Berlin comes as no surprise, as the country has a long history of producing world-class distance runners, particularly in the marathon.
This year’s Berlin Marathon saw a record number of participants, with over 40,000 runners from around the world competing in the race.
The event, known for its fast course and supportive crowd, has become a favorite among elite runners looking to set new personal bests and break records.
Bekele’s near-miss at the world record has only fueled speculation that the Ethiopian runner is capable of breaking the elusive two-hour barrier in the near future.
Despite facing stiff competition from other top athletes, Bekele and Bekere’s victories underscored the continued dominance of Ethiopian runners on the international marathon circuit.
The Ethiopian athletes’ success in Berlin serves as an inspiration to up-and-coming runners in the country, many of whom dream of following in the footsteps of their elite compatriots.
As the dust settles on another thrilling edition of the Berlin Marathon, all eyes will now turn to the next major marathon on the calendar, where fans will once again witness the incredible feats of Ethiopian athletes.