Ethiopian dominance was on full display at the Zurich Marató Barcelona as Degitu Azimeraw led her compatriots in a clean sweep of the women’s race, while Tadesse Abraham clinched the men’s title, setting a new Swiss record in the process.
Azimeraw, competing in her first marathon since becoming a mother, showcased her remarkable resilience and strength, finishing in 2:19:52, just eight seconds shy of the course record. From the outset, Azimeraw ran alongside fellow Ethiopians Shuko Genemo, Meseret Dinke, Zinas Senbeta, and Kenya’s Aurelia Jerotich Kiptui.
However, as the race progressed, Azimeraw steadily pulled away from the pack, eventually securing a commanding lead and crossing the finish line almost two minutes ahead of her nearest competitor.
Genemo and Dinke completed the Ethiopian sweep, finishing second and third respectively, in times of 2:21:35 and 2:22:58.
In the men’s race, Tadesse Abraham led a tight-knit group through the first half before asserting his dominance in the latter stages of the race. Despite facing stiff competition from Kenyan athletes, Abraham surged ahead, ultimately breaking the tape in a blistering time of 2:05:01, setting a new Swiss record in the process.
Collins Kipkirui Kipkorir of Kenya trailed behind Abraham, finishing second in 2:06:44, while Edmond Kipngetich secured third place with a time of 2:07:21.
The Ethiopian clean sweep in the women’s race and Abraham’s record-breaking performance in the men’s event underscored the East African nation’s prowess in long-distance running, solidifying their dominance on the international stage.
