Ethiopian athletes Deresa Geleta and Azmera Gebru etched their names into the annals of marathon history with stunning performances at the Zurich Maraton de Sevilla, a World Athletics Elite Label road race, on Sunday.
Geleta shattered records with an awe-inspiring display, clocking a blistering time of 2:03:27 in the men’s race. His remarkable run not only secured victory but also propelled him into the top 20 on the all-time list for men’s marathon. Meanwhile, Gebru demonstrated her prowess in the women’s category, clinching victory in a remarkable time of 2:22:13.
The event was marked by a flurry of record-breaking feats, with a total of eight national records tumbling as athletes chased qualification times for the upcoming Olympic Games in Paris. Notably, 12 men dipped under the 2:08 mark, while 14 women achieved sub-2:25 times, highlighting the caliber of competition at the prestigious marathon.
Geleta’s dominance was evident as he surged ahead in the latter stages of the race, ultimately crossing the finish line with a 20-second lead over his nearest competitor, Morhad Amdouni of France, who finished in 2:03:47. Gebru’s victory was equally impressive, as she maintained her composure amidst stiff competition to secure a well-deserved triumph.
Behind the stellar performances of the Ethiopian duo, other athletes made their mark, with national records falling across the board. Notable mentions include Sweden’s Suldan Hassan, Chile’s Carlos Martin Diaz del Rio, and Macedonia’s Dario Ivanovski, who showcased their talent and determination with exceptional performances.
As Geleta and Gebru bask in the glory of their achievements, their remarkable performances serve as a testament to the enduring legacy of Ethiopian distance running. With their eyes set on further accolades, they have undoubtedly cemented their places among the elite of the marathon world, leaving an indelible mark on the Zurich Maraton de Sevilla and inspiring future generations of athletes.
