In the 2025 Mumbai Marathon, Eritrean Berhane Tesfay triumphed with a time of 2:11:44, followed by compatriot Merhawi Kesete. Ethiopian Tesfaye Demeke placed third. Kenyan Joyce Chepkemoi Tele won the women’s title. The marathon showcased intense competition, marked by surprising performances and strategic racing amidst challenging conditions.
At the Mumbai Marathon on January 19, 2025, Eritrean runner Berhane Tesfay emerged victorious, clocking a remarkable time of 2 hours 11 minutes and 44 seconds. He was closely followed by compatriot Merhawi Kesete, who finished second in 2 hours 11 minutes and 50 seconds, while Ethiopian Tesfaye Demeke secured third place with a time of 2 hours 11 minutes and 56 seconds. Notably, Tesfay and Kesete, both in their late thirties, demonstrated impressive resilience and racing tactics throughout the intense competition.
In the women’s elite category, Kenyan Joyce Chepkemoi Tele triumphed in 2 hours 24 minutes and 56 seconds, outpacing Bahrain’s Shitaye Eshete and Ethiopia’s Medina Deme Armino, who finished in 2:25:29 and 2:27:58, respectively. Tesfay maintained his position within the lead pack early on, demonstrating strategic pacing at crucial points during the race, notably by the 10 km and 20 km markers. As the race progressed, the competition intensified, culminating in a thrilling sprint finish against Kesete.
Despite challenging conditions, including heat and pollution concerns, Tesfay’s performance was commendable as he achieved his first Olympic qualification by finishing third in the Kosice Peace marathon prior to this victory. He showcased remarkable stamina and endurance, allowing him to surge ahead in the final moments of the race, clinching the title with a mere six-second advantage over Kesete.
In the men’s race, the top ten included notable runners from both Ethiopia and Kenya, with five Ethiopians, one Kenyan, and two Indian participants achieving commendable times despite the sluggish race conditions. Indian competitor Anish Thapa finished strongly within the top tiers, clocking a time under 2:20 and positioning himself seventh overall. In women’s results, Nirmaben Thakor led Indian women, finishing 16th overall, significantly behind the elite competitors.
The half marathon races also exhibited strong performances, with Sawan Barwal winning the men’s category in 1:04:37 and Stanzin Dolkar leading the women’s race in 1:25:51. The Newark event featured a diverse field of competitors, showcasing athletic prowess from across the spectrum, emphasizing the continuing rise of Eritrean athletes in the marathon scene. Despite the surprise of Eritrean success overshadowing Ethiopian favorites, the race yielded thrilling performances across various categories.
Overall, the $389,524 prize pool indicated the event’s significance, with both male and female winners receiving $50,000 each. The Mumbai Marathon not only highlighted the athletic capabilities of its participants but also drew attention to the competitive dynamics between Eritrean and Ethiopian runners, setting the stage for future marathons with heightened anticipation.
The Mumbai Marathon is a significant annual marathon that attracts elite runners from around the world. Over the years, it has gained prominence as a platform for both seasoned athletes and emerging talents, highlighting the intense competition mainly between Ethiopian and Eritrean runners. In the latest edition of the marathon, the race dynamics shifted as Eritrean runners took center stage, showcasing their growing prowess in the long-distance running landscape. The event not only serves as a competitive venture but also as a cultural gathering celebrating athleticism and endurance amidst challenging conditions.
The 2025 Mumbai Marathon marked a noteworthy victory for Eritrean runners, with Berhane Tesfay and Merhawi Kesete finishing first and second, distinguishing themselves amidst fierce competition from Ethiopian athletes. Joyce Chepkemoi Tele also shone in the women’s category, affirming the dominance of Kenyan runners. As the marathon unfolded with dramatic finishes and impressive timings, it highlighted the evolving dynamics within long-distance running, suggesting a competitive future ahead for both nations. Furthermore, the prize allocation underscored the importance of such events in promoting athletics.
Original Source: indianexpress.com
