Sutume Asefa Kebede, the Ethiopian marathon sensation and 2024 runner-up at the Chicago Marathon, has officially joined the elite athlete team of Swiss sportswear brand On. Her debut with the brand saw her secure a silver medal in a highly competitive race that also featured a new world record.
Strong Performance in Chicago
In her first race wearing On gear, Kebede showcased her remarkable talent by holding second place throughout the 42.2 km race through the streets of Chicago. Battling against ideal marathon weather and a blistering pace set by Kenya’s Ruth Chepngetich, Kebede pushed herself to the limit. She crossed the finish line in an impressive 2:17:32, just two minutes off her personal best, which she had set earlier this year in Tokyo.
Kebede reflected on her performance after the race, expressing pride in her efforts: “I’m excited to officially be part of the team and to celebrate my debut with On here in Chicago. On has achieved so much in just a short time, and the product quality is second to none. I’m so proud of my effort today against some of the best runners in the world. I went for it all, and to come away with a silver medal in my first race as an On athlete feels special.”
A Growing Legacy in Long-Distance Running
Kebede’s rise in the marathon world has been meteoric. Starting her athletic journey at a young age, she quickly became a standout in Ethiopian athletics, setting a national record in the 25-kilometer distance as a teenager. Since then, she has focused on mastering both half and full marathons, with a string of impressive results.
Her major accomplishments include winning the 2019 Beijing Marathon, earning silver at the 2022 Seoul Marathon, and securing a podium finish in the 2020 Tokyo Marathon. Earlier this year, Kebede returned to Tokyo to set a new personal best of 2:15:55, marking her as one of the fastest marathon runners in the world.
Beyond full marathons, Kebede made headlines in early 2024 by recording a new personal best in the half marathon at the Houston Half Marathon with a time of 1:04:37, the fastest ever in North America. In 2023, she set a new world record for a 25-kilometer race in Kolkata, India, further solidifying her status as an elite long-distance runner.
On’s Newest Star
On’s Athlete Manager, Niklas Bühner, welcomed Kebede to the team with enthusiasm. “We are delighted to welcome Sutume to the On team. Her achievements speak for themselves, and we believe this collaboration will inspire further success. We’re proud of Sutume and her great result in Chicago. To have such a runner on the team is a true enrichment and we can’t wait to see what the future of this partnership holds.”
With her recent Chicago Marathon success and a promising partnership with On, Sutume Asefa Kebede is poised to continue her ascent in the global marathon scene, inspiring athletes and fans alike.
