Berhanu Eyes Hat-Trick, Minsewo Set to Defend Title at the Tata Mumbai Marathon

Ethiopia’s reigning champions, Hayle Lemi Berhanu and Aberash Minsewo, are poised to defend their titles at the Tata Mumbai Marathon 2025, a World Athletics Gold Label Race scheduled for Sunday, January 19.

Berhanu aims for a historic hat-trick of victories following his consecutive wins in 2023 and 2024 in the men’s category. If successful, he will become the first runner to achieve this milestone in the race's 20-year history.

Kenyan runner John Kelai, who claimed victories in 2007 and 2008, previously attempted a similar feat but could only secure third place in 2009. Notably, Ethiopian athlete Mulu Seboka achieved three wins in Mumbai, although she skipped the 2007 edition before clinching her third title.

The top three finishers in both the men’s and women’s categories will earn USD 50,000, USD 25,000, and USD 15,000, respectively, from a total prize pool of USD 390,238. Additionally, a bonus of USD 15,000 awaits any athlete who breaks the current event records. The event records, set in 2023, stand at 2:07:32 for men (Hayle Lemi Berhanu) and 2:24:15 for women (Anchialem Haymanot).

The 2025 lineup includes 11 men and 6 women with personal bests faster than the existing Tata Mumbai Marathon course records.

Men's Elite Roster:

Vivek Singh, Joint Managing Director of Procam International, commented on the elite athletes participating:
"The return of defending champions Berhanu and Minsewo is a testament to the Tata Mumbai Marathon's significance as we celebrate its landmark 20th edition. This race has been a driving force for the growth of distance running in India, and the stellar lineup underscores its global appeal. We wish all participants the very best as they prepare for race day on January 19."

Among the notable male contenders is Kenya’s Philemon Cherop Rono, who finished as the runner-up in 2023. Eritrea’s Merhawi Kesete, ninth in the same year, also returns. Another prominent athlete, Abdi Ali Gelchu, who placed fifth in 2020, is back. Gelchu, the 2016 Asian Junior Cross-Country Champion, has represented Bahrain since 2014.

Two Ethiopian athletes with recent sub-2:05 performances, Asrar Aberrehman Hiyrden (2:04:43) and Bazezew Asmare (2:04:57), are also strong contenders to challenge Berhanu.

Reflecting on his preparations, Berhanu said:
"The crowd support in Mumbai has always been incredible. I narrowly missed breaking the course record in 2024, but I am determined to give my best and set a new mark this year."

Women's Race: A Fierce Battle for the Crown

The women’s race promises intense competition for defending champion Aberash Minsewo. The Ethiopian triumphed on her marathon debut in 2024, clocking 2:26:06, and has not raced another marathon since.

Only two Ethiopian women—Mulu Seboka and Dinknesh Mekash—have claimed multiple wins in Mumbai. Among the returning competitors, 2016 winner Shuko Genemo, who also placed third in 2018, and Feyisa Adanech Anbesa, tenth in 2023, will add depth to the field.

Kenyan Joyce Tele, who ran an impressive 2:20:17 to win on her marathon debut in Ljubljana earlier this year, and Bahrain’s Shitaye Eshete, with a personal best of 2:21:33 from 2019, are top contenders for the title. Genemo, who clocked 2:21:35 for silver in Barcelona and later placed third in Frankfurt in 2024, also joins the fray.

Ethiopia’s contingent features strong challengers such as Tigist Getnet (2:23:17, Dubai 2023), Feyisa Adanech (2:24:07, Paris 2022), and Asimarech Naga (2:24:13, Dublin 2024), ensuring a fiercely contested race.

Speaking about her aspirations, Minsewo remarked:
"Winning my debut marathon in Mumbai was a dream come true. The city holds a special place in my heart, and I am determined to deliver an even better performance in 2025 to retain my title."

Path to World Championships Qualification

The Tata Mumbai Marathon is a designated qualifying event for the World Championships, set to take place in Tokyo, Japan, in September 2025.

Here's a table summarizing the elite runners for the men's and women's categories at the Tata Mumbai Marathon 2025:

Men's Elite Runners

Pacers:

Women's Elite Runners