Eritrean Runners Dominate at Mumbai Marathon with 1-2 Finish

Eritrean runner Berhane Tesfay won the Mumbai Marathon, marking a remarkable 1-2 finish for his nation alongside Merhawi Kesete. Kenya’s Joyce Chepkemoi Tele won the women’s title. The race showcased the strength and determination of Eritrean athletes against strong competition from Ethiopia and Kenya.

At the Mumbai Marathon, Eritrean runner Berhane Tesfay, standing at 5 feet 11 inches, clinched victory with a remarkable time of 2 hours, 11 minutes, and 44 seconds. His compatriot, Merhawi Kesete, followed closely in second place with a time of 2:11:50, while Ethiopia’s Tesfaye Demeke secured third with a time of 2:11:56. This race marked a significant 1-2 finish for Eritrea, showcasing the prowess of both Tesfay and Kesete, who are veteran runners aged 38 and 39, respectively.

Joyce Chepkemoi Tele from Kenya dominated the women’s elite race, finishing with a time of 2:24:56. She was followed by Bahrain’s Shitaye Eshete at 2:25:29 and Ethiopia’s Medina Deme Armino at 2:27:58. Tesfay was among the leaders early in the race, crossing the 10 km mark in 30 minutes and 33 seconds, maintaining a competitive edge as the race progressed.

The Mumbai Marathon, a prestigious event attracting international runners, has seen notable performances, particularly from athletes hailing from East Africa. The marathon’s history includes several champions who have set records over the years. This year’s event was characterized by challenging weather conditions and high competition levels, contributing to impressive performances despite the heat. Eritrea and Ethiopia, two neighboring countries with a passionate running culture, often find themselves in intense rivalry during such marathons, adding excitement to the spectacle.

In summary, the 2025 Mumbai Marathon showcased extraordinary talent, with Berhane Tesfay of Eritrea achieving a magnificent victory alongside his compatriot Merhawi Kesete’s second-place finish. The women’s race was equally impressive with Kenya’s Joyce Chepkemoi Tele taking the title. The event highlighted the growing stature of Eritrean athletes and the continuing rivalry with Ethiopian runners, affirming the significant contribution of both nations to the marathon scene.

Original Source: indianexpress.com