In a stunning display of dominance, Ethiopian athletes Mestawut Fikir and Mulugeta Uma claimed the top honors at the Schneider Electric Paris Marathon, marking a remarkable double victory for Ethiopia in the prestigious World Athletics Elite Label road race held on Sunday.
Fikir, making her marathon debut, showcased exceptional prowess as she triumphed in the women’s category with a remarkable time of 2 hours, 20 minutes, and 45 seconds.
Her victory was closely contested by fellow Ethiopian Enatnesh Tirusew, also a debutante in the marathon, who finished a mere three seconds behind Fikir, claiming the second spot.
The legendary Kenyan athlete Vivian Cheruiyot, returning to the marathon scene after a five-year hiatus, secured the third position with a commendable time of 2:21:46.
The women’s race witnessed an intense battle among a pack of formidable contenders, with Ethiopia’s Rahma Tusa setting the early pace.
However, it was Fikir and Tirusew who ultimately surged ahead in the final kilometers, leaving behind their rivals to secure a remarkable Ethiopian one-two finish.
Meanwhile, in the men’s category, Mulugeta Uma stamped his authority, clinching victory with a stellar performance, completing the race in 2 hours, 5 minutes, and 33 seconds.
Uma’s triumph was a testament to his exceptional talent and determination, as he outpaced his closest competitor, Kenya’s Titus Kipruto, by a margin of 15 seconds.
Elisha Rotich, the course record-holder and a seasoned marathoner, settled for the third position with a time of 2:06:54.
The men’s race unfolded in a similar fashion to the women’s, with a tightly contested battle among a pack of elite runners. Kipruto led the charge through the initial stages of the race, setting a blistering pace.
However, Uma, along with his Ethiopian compatriots Deso Gelmisa and Dejane Megersa, gradually asserted their dominance, with Uma eventually breaking away in the closing stages to secure a memorable victory.
The double triumph by Fikir and Uma underscores Ethiopia’s prowess in long-distance running and further cements their status as a powerhouse in marathon racing.
The Schneider Electric Paris Marathon witnessed extraordinary performances, captivating audiences worldwide and reaffirming the enduring allure of this iconic event in the realm of international athletics.
