Berhane Tesfay of Eritrea won the Mumbai Marathon, clocking 2:11:44, followed by compatriot Merhawi Kesete. In the women’s elite category, Kenyan Joyce Chepkemoi Tele claimed victory in 2:24:56. Notable performances were also recorded by local Indian runners, with Anish Thapa finishing seventh. The race showcased the rising prominence of Eritrean athletes in marathon events, marking a shift in the competitive landscape of long-distance running.
In a remarkable display of endurance, Eritrean athlete Berhane Tesfay triumphed at the Mumbai Marathon, clocking an impressive 2 hours, 11 minutes, and 44 seconds. This victory marked a significant milestone for Eritrea as they claimed the top two podium spots, with Tesfay’s compatriot Merhawi Kesete finishing second in 2:11:50, followed by Ethiopia’s Tesfaye Demeke in third at 2:11:56. Both Eritrean runners, aged 38 and 39 respectively, are emblematic of their nation, which gained independence from Ethiopia in 1993.
The event witnessed Kenyan Joyce Chepkemoi Tele dominating the women’s elite race, securing victory with a time of 2:24:56. She outpaced Bahrain’s Shitaye Eshete and Ethiopia’s Medina Deme Armino, who finished with times of 2:25:29 and 2:27:58 respectively. Tesfay showcased exceptional pacing, remaining within the lead pack throughout the race, especially at critical checkpoints like 10 km and 30 km, where competitors were closely matched in time.
Indian runner Anish Thapa performed commendably, finishing in seventh place with a time of 2:17:23, while other Indian competitors also posted strong results. A total of 11 Indian runners clocked under 2:30, with only 3 achieving times below 2:20. Notably, Nirmaben Thakor emerged as the top Indian female finisher, completing the marathon in 2:50:06.
The men’s race was marked by surprise, as many had expected Ethiopian Hayle Lemi Berhanu to claim his third consecutive victory. Berhanu, who held the event record at 2:07:32, found himself outpaced by the experienced Eritreans. The prize pool for the marathon consisted of $389,524, with winners from both the men’s and women’s categories taking home $50,000 each.
The performance of the Eritrean athletes is a testament to their determination and ability to thrive under competitive pressure, signifying a pivotal moment in the marathon scene. As the marathon concluded, it highlighted the evolving dynamics in long-distance running, emphasizing emerging talents from nations like Eritrea that continue to challenge established rivals.
The Mumbai Marathon has gained international recognition, attracting elite runners worldwide. The event not only serves as a competitive platform for seasoned marathoners but also highlights the strides made by runners from lesser-known nations. With such diverse participation, it reflects the changing landscape of marathon running, where athletes from Eritrea are now emerging as significant contenders alongside traditional powerhouses like Ethiopia and Kenya. This marathon showcased not just individual accomplishments but also national pride.
The Mumbai Marathon highlighted the impressive performances of Eritrean runners, with Berhane Tesfay and Merhawi Kesete securing the top two spots. Their success underlines Eritrea’s growing influence in long-distance running, challenging traditional powers. The race also featured solid performances from local Indian athletes and established competitors, further enriching the competitive spirit of the marathon. As these emerging talents continue to make their mark, the global marathon scene is evolving defensively and competitively, promising exciting future events.
Original Source: indianexpress.com
