2024 Berlin Marathon: Ethiopia’s Milkesa Mengesha and Tigist Ketema Win Titles
At the 2024 Berlin Marathon, held on September 29, Ethiopia’s Milkesa Mengesha won the men’s race with a time of 2:03:17, defeating Kenyans Cybrian Kotut and Stephen Kiprop. Tigist Ketema claimed the women’s title in 2:16:42, the third-fastest in marathon history. The event featured intense competition and strategic racing, with Mengesha prevailing in a close finish and Ketema dominating from the outset.
Ethiopia’s Milkesa Mengesha and Tigist Ketema triumphed in their respective categories at the 2024 Berlin Marathon, held on September 29. Mengesha completed the men’s race in a remarkable time of 2:03:17, narrowly defeating Kenyan competitors Cybrian Kotut and Stephen Kiprop, who finished with times of 2:03:22 and 2:03:31, respectively. The race, notable for its high pace, saw the elite runners tackle the first half in 60:57 before entering a tactical battle in the final kilometers. Meanwhile, Ketema dominated the women’s event, establishing a significant lead early on. She finished the race alone in 2:16:42, marking the third-fastest winning time in the history of the Berlin Marathon, with fellow Ethiopians Mestawot Fikir and Bosena Mulatie following in second and third place respectively at times of 2:18:48 and 2:19:00.
The Berlin Marathon is one of the six World Marathon Majors, renowned for its fast courses and elite fields. The event attracts top marathoners from around the globe, particularly from Ethiopia and Kenya, who dominate the marathon scene. This year marked the 50th edition of the marathon, continuing the tradition of excellence associated with the event. Noteworthy is the strategic nature of marathon racing, where pacing, positioning, and timing can dramatically influence outcomes, as highlighted by the final showdown between Mengesha and Kotut in the men’s race and Ketema’s solitary dominance in the women’s event.
The 2024 Berlin Marathon reaffirmed Ethiopia’s dominance in long-distance running, with Milkesa Mengesha and Tigist Ketema securing their titles in impressive fashion. Mengesha’s remarkable performance illustrated both speed and strategic acumen, while Ketema’s solo effort brought her victory in record time. The event continues to be a significant platform for elite marathon runners, showcasing the peak of endurance athletics.
Original Source: olympics.com
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