At the Mumbai Marathon, Eritrean Berhane Tesfay claimed victory in the men’s elite race with a time of 2:11:44, leading a 1-2 finish with compatriot Merhawi Kesete. In the women’s category, Kenyan Joyce Chepkemoi Tele secured first place with a time of 2:24:56. Despite challenging conditions, the event saw strong performances from both international and Indian runners, highlighting the competitive spirit prevailing in marathon racing.
The Mumbai Marathon witnessed a remarkable performance from Eritrea, as Berhane Tesfay claimed victory in the men’s elite category with a time of 2:11:44, leading a strong 1-2 finish for his country. Tesfay was followed closely by his compatriot Merhawi Kesete, who finished in 2:11:50, while Ethiopian Tesfaye Demeke placed third with a time of 2:11:56. Notably, both Tesfay and Kesete, at 38 and 39 respectively, are older than Eritrea itself, which gained independence from Ethiopia in 1993.
In the women’s elite race, Kenyan runner Joyce Chepkemoi Tele secured victory with a time of 2:24:56. She was trailed by Bahrain’s Shitaye Eshete, who finished in 2:25:29, and Ethiopia’s Medina Deme Armino, clocking 2:27:58. The elite field demonstrated competitive racing despite hot weather conditions, as runners remained closely packed throughout the event.
Tesfay displayed an impressive performance, maintaining a steady pace across the race, positioning himself among the leading pack early on. After reaching the 10 km mark in 30:33, he managed to stay ahead, becoming a second quicker than Kesete and Demeke at the 20 km mark. The final stretch of the race yielded a thrilling sprint finish, with Tesfay edging out Kesete by just six seconds.
The Indian participants also showed commendable efforts, with Anish Thapa being the top finisher among them, completing the marathon in 2:17:23. However, he finished nearly six minutes behind Tesfay. The race featured good performances from eleven Indian runners who completed under 2:30, although only three managed to finish below the 2:20 mark.
In the half marathon segment, Sawan Barwal led the men’s category with an impressive time of 1:04:37, while Stanzin Dolkar topped the women’s half marathon with a time of 1:25:51. Other competitors in the half marathon also delivered strong performances in their respective categories, contributing to an exciting day of racing.
The outcome of the marathon delivered a surprising twist as Eritrean runners surpassed expectations. Hayle Lemi Berhanu of Ethiopia, who aimed for a hat-trick of titles, and other prominent competitors like Bazezew Asmare and Philemon Rono were bested by the seasoned Eritrean athletes. This year’s event featured a prize pool of $389,524, with $50,000 designated for each of the winners in the men’s and women’s categories.
The Mumbai Marathon serves as an international platform that attracts elite runners from various nations, with the promise of substantial financial rewards. Over the years, it has become a race where athletes can strive for records as well as Olympic qualification. The event not only showcases top-tier competition but also highlights emerging talent from countries like Eritrea, enhancing the global perception of marathon running as a prestigious sport. Historical context around the event indicates competitive rivalries, particularly between Ethiopian and Eritrean runners, underscoring their respective athletic legacies.
In conclusion, the Mumbai Marathon was marked by an impressive display of athletic prowess, particularly from Eritrean runners who swept the podium in the men’s category. Berhane Tesfay’s victory demonstrated not only individual excellence but also a compelling narrative of national pride for Eritrea. The race overall showcased intensive competition amidst challenging conditions, reinforcing the marathon’s status as a premier event in the international running calendar.
Original Source: indianexpress.com
