Ethiopian and Kenyan Runners Triumph Amidst Smog at Beijing Marathon 2024

Sunday, 03 November 2024

The 2024 Beijing Marathon witnessed extraordinary feats of endurance and athleticism as Ethiopian Lemi Berhanu Hayle and Kenyan Vicoty Chepngeno emerged victorious in their respective categories on a smoggy Sunday morning in China's capital.

Hayle, who previously won the Boston Marathon in 2016, secured the top spot in the men’s division with a time of 2 hours, 9 minutes, and 16 seconds, narrowly outpacing Kenya’s Bethwel Kibet Chumba by just 14 seconds. Chinese national Chen Tianyu claimed the third spot, finishing in 2:09:48, marking a competitive race for the podium.

In the women’s race, Chepngeno led with a commanding performance, crossing the finish line in 2:21:56. She was followed by Ethiopia’s Rahma Tusa and Kenya’s Angela Jemesunde Tanui, who rounded out the top three. Chepngeno’s victory added another laurel to her career, underscoring the dominance of East African runners in long-distance events.

Despite the challenging air quality, around 30,000 participants from across the globe took part in the event, highlighting the global appeal and resilience of the marathon community. The runners navigated a scenic route that offered a panoramic view of Beijing’s historic sites, including Tiananmen Square and the Bird’s Nest Stadium.

The 2024 edition of the Beijing Marathon was particularly notable for its massive interest, attracting 182,000 applications from hopeful participants hailing from 43 different countries and regions. This overwhelming response reflects the marathon’s status as a premier international sporting event, offering both a competitive platform for elite athletes and a festive atmosphere for amateur runners. The success of the event, in spite of environmental challenges, emphasizes the growing popularity of marathon running as a symbol of personal achievement and global unity in sports.