Tens of thousands of runners from around the globe descended upon Madrid on Sunday, April 28, to participate in the highly anticipated Madrid Marathon.
In a display of sheer athleticism, it was the Kenyan and Ethiopian competitors who showcased their prowess, dominating both the men’s and women’s races.
The Ethiopian contingent made an impressive mark early on in the grueling 42-kilometer course. One Ethiopian runner surged ahead, quickly establishing a commanding lead. However, adversity struck in the final stretch as he battled heat stroke and a hamstring strain in his left thigh. Undeterred, he summoned a final burst of energy, clinching his second career victory.
Mitku Tafa of Ethiopia crossed the finish line first, completing the race in 2 hours, 8 minutes, and 58 seconds. He was closely pursued by compatriot Fikre Bekele and Kenyan athlete Douglas Chebii, who secured second and third place, respectively.
In the women’s race, the 2023 Nairobi City Marathon champion, Naom Jebet of Kenya, made her mark on the international stage, securing her inaugural victory in Madrid. Jebet maintained a solo lead in the closing stages of the race, crossing the finish line with a time of two hours, 26 minutes, and 20 seconds. Her remarkable performance saw her outpace Ethiopia’s Bontu Bekele by 44 seconds, who settled for second place. Ethiopian athlete Kebene Chala rounded out the top three finishers.
The Madrid Marathon once again showcased the incredible talent and endurance of athletes from Ethiopia and Kenya, solidifying their reputation as powerhouses in the world of long-distance running.
