MUMBAI MARATHON | Super Sunday for Ethiopian runners

Ethiopian runners Tadu Abate Deme and Yeshi Kalayu Chekole emerged victorious in the elite men’s and women’s races, respectively, at the 21st edition of the Tata Mumbai Marathon, a World Athletics Gold Label Road Race, held here on Sunday.

In the women’s elite marathon, Chekole registered the most significant win of her career, clinching her maiden major marathon title in a time of 2:25:13. The 28-year-old executed her race plan with precision, staying within the leading pack through the early stages before breaking away decisively towards the end to finish clear of her compatriots.

“I am very happy to be the champion today,” Chekole said after the race. “I came here expecting to break the course record, but the weather made it challenging. Still, I felt strong throughout, especially on the uphill and downhill sections.”

Kidsan Alema Gebremedhin finished second, while Gojjam Tsegaye Enyew completed an Ethiopian sweep of the podium.

The men’s elite marathon witnessed a tactical battle among East African runners before Abate produced a decisive surge in the final kilometre. Locked in a duel with Kenya’s Leonard Kiprotich Langat for much of the race, Abate increased the tempo late to cross the finish line in 2:09:55. Langat followed 15 seconds later, while Eritrea’s Merhawi Kesete claimed the third position.

“It was a very competitive and tactical race,” Langat said. “The course was challenging but well organised.”

A delighted Abate credited patience for his success. “The hills were tough, but after halfway I focused on conserving energy and choosing the right moments,” he said.

With the twin victories, Ethiopia completed a men’s and women’s double at the Mumbai Marathon for the seventh time.

The results: Marathon: Elite men: 1. Tadu Abate Deme (Eth, 2:09:55), 2. Leonard Kiprotich Langat (Ken, 2:10:10), 3. Merhawi Kesete Weldemaryam (Eri, 2:10:22).

Elite Women: 1. Yeshi Kalayu Chekole (Eth, 2:25:13), 2. Kidsan Alema Gebremedhin (Eth, 2:27:35), 3. Gojjam Tsegaye Enyew (Eth, 2:28:27).

Elite men Indian: 1. Kartik Karkera (2:19:55), 2. Anish Thapa (2:20:08), 3. Pradeep Chaudhary (2:20:49)

Elite women Indian: 1. Sanjivani Jadhav (2:49:02), 2. Nirmaben Thakor (2:49:13), 3. Sonam (2:49:24)

Half marathon: Men: 1. Gaurav Mathur (1:07:18), 2. Ramesh Gavali (1:11:32), 3. Tanmay Pawar (1:12:27); Women: 1. Reenu (1:18:02), 2. Priyanka C. (1:19:13), 3. Ekta (1:23:19).