In a stunning display of endurance and speed, Fotyen Tesfay smashed the course record at the 44th Berlin Half-Marathon, clocking the fifth-fastest half-marathon ever at 63:35. The Ethiopian powerhouse not only triumphed in her race but did so with an astonishing lead of three minutes and 26 seconds. Tesfay’s captivating victory came in chilly and windy conditions, showcasing her strength and determination on the challenging 13.1-mile course.
Finishing behind Tesfay were her Ethiopian compatriots Fortaw Zeray and Alemaddis Eyayu, who finished second and third with impressive times of 67:02 and 67:12, respectively. Esther Pfeiffer marked the fastest finish for a German woman, securing seventh place with a time of 69:15. Reflecting on her performance, Tesfay expressed satisfaction despite the tough weather, stating, “The course is very good but it was extremely windy and the cold temperatures made it also difficult for me. But I kept my rhythm well and I’m happy with my fast time.”
Only four runners in history have surpassed Tesfay’s time, including Letesenbet Gidey, Agnes Jebet Ngetich, and Lilian Kasait Rengeruk, highlighting the significance of her achievement. Race Director Mark Milde praised the athletes for their remarkable performances under challenging conditions, underscoring the extraordinary nature of the event.
On the men’s side, Gemechu Dida nearly broke the course record, finishing with a time of 58:43—just nine seconds shy of the record. Kenyan Richard Etir secured second place at 59:30, while Germany’s Amanal Petros celebrated a personal triumph by breaking his national record, finishing in 59:31, thus earning a spot on the European all-time list.
The event attracted a record 40,721 runners from 135 nations, firmly establishing the Berlin Half-Marathon as Germany’s premier running event. With exhilarating performances and a sense of community among runners, this race has etched itself in the annals of athletic history.
Fotyen Tesfay dominated the 44th Berlin Half-Marathon, clocking 63:35, the fifth fastest ever. Compatriots Fortaw Zeray and Alemaddis Eyayu followed her, while Esther Pfeiffer was the fastest German woman. In the men’s race, Gemechu Dida finished at 58:43, just shy of the record. A remarkable 40,721 runners participated, underlining the event’s significance.
Fotyen Tesfay’s remarkable victory at the Berlin Half-Marathon, recorded at an astounding 63:35, is a testament to her skill and determination despite challenging weather. In the men’s race, Gemechu Dida nearly broke the course record, with both him and Amanal Petros making significant marks of achievement. This event, featuring over 40,000 participants, showcases the growing passion for running and competition on a global scale.
Original Source: athleticsweekly.com
