Mulugeta Uma and Mestawut Fikir made an impressive showing at the 2024 Paris Marathon, both winning their respective elite races in their debut appearances. Uma, competing in only his fourth-ever marathon, took the men’s elite title with a time of 2:05:33, setting a personal best in the process. Kenya’s Titus Kipruto finished second and Elisha Rotich claimed bronze, but Kenya dominated the rest of the top five with Bethwell Kipkemboi and Cosmas Muteti finishing fourth and fifth, respectively.
In the women’s elite race, Fikir emerged victorious in her first-ever marathon, outpacing the favorite Vivian Cheruiyot to claim gold with a time of 2:20:45. Cheruiyot, a former world and Olympic 5,000m champion, had to settle for bronze after finishing over a minute behind Fikir. Ethiopian Enat Tirusew took the silver medal, coming in just three seconds behind Fikir. The top three runners in the women’s race finished well ahead of the rest of the field, with Valentina Mateiko and Rahma Tusa rounding out the top five.
The Paris Marathon saw exciting competition and impressive performances from Uma and Fikir, with both athletes making a strong debut on the international stage. Uma’s victory marked a historic win for Ethiopia, while Fikir’s triumph over the favorite Cheruiyot demonstrated her talent and potential in the marathon. The strong showing from both Ethiopian runners highlighted the country’s depth in distance running and its ability to produce world-class marathoners.
The Paris Marathon showcased the competitive nature of elite distance running, with athletes from Ethiopia and Kenya vying for top honors in both the men’s and women’s races. Uma’s win over strong contenders like Kipruto and Rotich illustrated his skill and determination as a marathoner, while Fikir’s victory over Cheruiyot highlighted her potential as a rising star in the sport. The race highlighted the intense competition among elite runners and the ability of newcomers to make a significant impact in international marathons.
The performances of Uma and Fikir at the Paris Marathon serve as a testament to their talent and dedication as athletes. Their victories in their debut races at a prestigious event like the Paris Marathon demonstrate their ability to compete at the highest level of distance running. With strong showings against seasoned competitors, both runners have established themselves as contenders in the marathon world, signaling a bright future for Ethiopian distance running and potential medal contenders at future international events.
As the Olympic Games return with Paris 2024, the performances of Uma and Fikir at the Paris Marathon are likely to elevate their profiles and set the stage for future success on the international stage. With their impressive debuts and victories over strong competition, both athletes have shown that they have the potential to continue excelling in the marathon and represent Ethiopia at the highest level of competition. Their performances at the Paris Marathon are a showcase of their talent and determination, setting the stage for future successes in their respective marathon careers.
