Ethiopia’s defending champions Hayle Lemi Berhanu and Aberash Minsewo are ready to defend their titles in Mumbai/India – Berhanu eyes a historic hat-trick of titles

Mumbai, 16th January 2025: In the global running community, any race held for 20 or more years has a significant place in history. The Tata Mumbai Marathon, first held in 2004, is celebrating its twentieth edition this Sunday (19 Jan).

 A World Athletics Gold Label Road Race, the Tata Mumbai Marathon has served as a memorable platform for some globally acclaimed commence their success stories.  Incidentally, South African Hendrik Ramaala, winner of the inaugural edition here in 2004, went on to win the popular New Yark marathon later that year.  The race has also helped many athletes to qualify for the World championships and Olympic Games on several occasions.  

This Sunday’s race will witness last year’s champions from Ethiopia, Lemi Berhanu and Aberash Minsewo, trying to emulate their 2024 wins again.  Interestingly, Berhanu will try an unprecedented hat trick this year.  If successful, it will be a first in the race’s history.

Lemi Berhanu who is eyeing a historic hat-trick this year is ready to go, “My preparation for the Mumbai Marathon has been excellent, especially after Beijing. I’ve been focused on training and am aiming for my third win this Sunday. I have good experience with this course, and I believe my preparation gives me an advantage. I always listen to my coach and manager, following their program without deviation. Their guidance and my patience have been key to my progress. I’ve waited a long time for this moment, and I’m confident in delivering a strong performance on Sunday.”

Bazezew Asmare who was carrying a minor injury in his last marathon said, “I ran my last marathon with a small injury, but now I’m fully fit and well-prepared for Sunday. If I get a good result here, it will be a step forward in my career. Representing my country, Ethiopia, is my ultimate goal, and I believe a strong performance in Mumbai can help me move closer to that dream.”

The duo is joined by Kenyan Philemon Rono, the runner-up here in 2023, and three other Elite runners: Bazezew Asmare in the men’s section, Shitaye Ehete, and Shuko Gemeo in the international elite athletes press conference held today. While the above three runners originated from Ethiopia, Eshete migrated to Bahrain, representing her adopted country internationally.

Shitaye Eshete speaking at the press conference said, “I started running at a very young age and eventually joined the national team, which deepened my love for the sport. I’ve always enjoyed running, and I have a strong track background, including finishing sixth in the 10,000 meters at the London race. While I enjoyed competing on the track, I’ve shifted my focus to marathons because there are more opportunities to earn and achieve success in road racing. Transitioning to marathons has been a learning experience. I’ve realized that success in this discipline requires a lot of mileage and consistent long-distance training. By focusing on high mileage and preparation, I believe I can achieve great results in marathons.”

Rono was not in good shape last season, but confident of a comeback this time.  Berhanu revealed he is in fine form and looking for another memorable victory.

Talking about his preparations for the marathon, Philemon Rono said, „I’ve prepared meticulously for this race and feel focused despite running a marathon just six weeks ago. Running for Kenya is both an honor and a challenge, with fierce competition and a dynamic qualifying process. My primary focus on Sunday is winning, as strong performances pave the way for representing Kenya on the world stage, including the World Championships in Tokyo next year—a dream I’m determined to achieve.“

Meanwhile Shuko Genemo, who will be eyeing a Gold this year, said, “I returned to Mumbai because I know the course well and had a good result here before. I’ve been training with my partner, and we’ve worked very hard under a serious coach who has a unique       philosophy. I’m in great shape now and confident that all the effort we’ve put in will lead to a strong performance. Hard work is the most important thing, and I believe it will pay off.”

Aberash Minsewo, who won her maiden marathon in Mumbai last year, which remained her only race at that distance, is confident of getting another title.  Age is on her side as the 23-year-old Ethiopian is all set to take the challenge from her countrymates at ease.  The experienced Eshete and the dark horse Genemo may have other ideas to pull a surprise on the race day. Speaking ahead of the race day, Minsewo said, „Last year was a learning curve, but now I feel much more prepared, and that has made a big difference. My preparation this year has been very strong, and I’m feeling confident about the race on Sunday. I know the course well, and I believe that will help me get a good result. When I first came to India, I didn’t know what to expect, but now I feel ready to deliver a great performance.”

The first three finishers in both the men’s and women’s categories will receive USD 50,000, $25,000, and $15,000 from the prize pot of USD 389,524. A reward of USD 15,000 also awaits those who break the existing event records in their respective categories. Ethiopians Hayle Lemi Berhanu (2:07:32) and Anchialem Haymanot (2:24:15) have held the event records since 2023.

 International Elite Athlete for the TMM 2025

MEN: 

1. Lemi Berhanu Hayle                        ETH/1994     02:04:33          GOLD ER HOLDER TMM
2. Asrar Hiyrden Abderehman             ETH/1999     02:04:43          ELITE
3. Bazezew Asmare Belay                  ETH/1996     02:04:57          GOLD
4. Philemon Rono Cherop                   KEN/1991    02:05:00          GOLD
5. Kelkile Gezahegn Woldaregay        ETH/1996     02:05:56          ELITE
6. Abdi Fufa Nigassa                           ETH/1995     02:05:57          ELITE
7. Merhawi Kesete Weldemaryam      ERI/1986      02:06:36          ELITE
8. Kemal Husen Gebi                          ETH/2003     02:06:52          GOLD
9. Birhan Nebebew Tesfaye                ETH/1994     02:06:52          ELITE
10. Berhane Tesfay Berhe                    ERI/1987      02:07:07          ELITE
11. Abdi Ali Gelelchu Gelchu                ETH/1997     02:07:15          ELITE
12. Melese Kifle Dendir                         ETH/2000     02:11:07          ELITE  
13. Demeke Tesfaye Ademe                 ETH/2001     02:11:48          ELITE
14. Silas Kiprotich Kirui                         KEN/1992    02:12:23          ELITE
15. Bitew Ademe Endalew                    ETH/2000     02:18:41
16. Weyifen Dejene Mulisa                   ETH/2004     DEBUT
17. Haimanot Mossie Delele                 ETH/2003     DEBUT

PACERS:

1. Thomas de Bock                            BEL/1991     02:10:17          ELITE
2. Luck Maas                                       NED/1999    02:11:47          ELITE
3. Bjorn Koreman                                NED/1991    02:10:32
4. Alex Kipkorir Kibarus                       KEN/1993    02:15:14
5. Cheruiyot Koech                              KEN/1994    DEBUT
6. Abede Adissu Zewude                    ETH/2000     DEBUT
7. Peter Kwalia Kipsirat                       KEN/1998    DEBUT
8. Timothy Kibet Misoi                         KEN/1997    DEBUT

WOMEN:

1. Aberash Minsewo Belay                  ETH/2001     02:26:06          ELITE
2. Joyce Chepkemoi Tele                    KEN/1995    02:20:17          GOLD
3. Shitaye Eshete Habte                      BRN/1990     02:21:33          ELITE
4. Shuko Genemo Wote                      ETH/1995     02:21:35          GOLD
5. Tigist Getnet Belew                         ETH/2003     02:23:17          ELITE
6. Adanech Anbesa Feyisa                 ETH/1998     02:24:07          ELITE
7. Asimarech Naga Mengsitu              ETH/2004     02:24:13          ELITE
8. Tigist Memuye Gebeyahu               ETH/1994     02:24:23          ELITE
9. Ayantu Kumela Tadesse                 ETH/1996     02:24:29          ELITE
10. Veronica Njeri Maina                       KEN/1989    02:24:46          GOLD
11. Zinash Mekonnen Lema                  ETH/1996     02:24:55          ELITE
12. Emebet Niguse Mamo                     ETH/1999     02:25:25          ELITE
13. Nigsti Haftu Tesfay                          ETH/1999     02:25:37          ELITE
14. Aberash Demisse Korse                  ETH/1997     02:25:42          ELITE
15. Medina Deme Armino                      ETH/1997     02:26:01          ELITE
16. Aamelmal Birara Tagel                    ETH/2000     02:26:31          ELITE
17. Shewarge Alene Amare                  ETH/1994     02:27:26          ELITE
18. Birtukan Birhanu Abera                   ETH/1994     02:32:40          ELITE
19. Enyish Mengie Birkie                       ETH/2005     DEBUT

Ram. Murali Krishnan – Running India News Service

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