The Tata Mumbai Marathon, a hallmark event in the global running calendar, is set to celebrate its 20th edition this Sunday, January 19. Recognized as a World Athletics Gold Label Road Race, the marathon continues to be a platform for elite runners to showcase their talent and launch illustrious careers. Notable alumni include Hendrik Ramaala, who won the inaugural edition in 2004 before claiming victory in the New York Marathon the same year.
This year’s race promises historic moments as Ethiopia’s Hayle Lemi Berhanu aims for an unprecedented hat-trick of titles. Berhanu, who holds the event record (2:07:32) set in 2023, expressed confidence in his preparation. “I’ve trained intensely after Beijing, sticking to my coach’s guidance. With my experience on this course, I feel ready to deliver a strong performance,” he shared.
Joining Berhanu in the men’s elite category is Ethiopian Bazezew Asmare, now fully recovered from a prior injury, and Kenya’s Philemon Rono, runner-up in 2023. Rono, preparing for a return to form, remarked, “Running for Kenya is an honor. A win here is crucial for my World Championships qualification and Tokyo aspirations.”
The women’s race also promises thrilling competition. Aberash Minsewo, last year’s champion, is eager to defend her title at just 23 years old. “I’ve grown since last year and feel well-prepared. Knowing the course gives me confidence,” Minsewo noted. However, she faces tough challenges from compatriots Shitaye Eshete, now representing Bahrain, and Shuko Genemo, who seeks a gold finish with meticulous preparation under her coach’s unique training philosophy.
Eshete, an experienced marathoner, shared insights into her journey: “Transitioning from track to marathons has been rewarding. Focusing on high mileage has equipped me to achieve success in road racing.”
The prize pool of $389,524 includes $50,000 for the winners in both men’s and women’s categories, with additional bonuses for breaking course records. As elite runners prepare to leave their mark on this historic occasion, the Tata Mumbai Marathon promises a blend of pride, competition, and groundbreaking achievements.
With history, records, and national pride at stake, all eyes will be on Mumbai this Sunday as it once again takes center stage in the global running community.
Name | Country | Birth Year | Best Time | Status |
---|---|---|---|---|
Lemi Berhanu Hayle | ETH | 1994 | 02:04:33 | GOLD, ER HOLDER TMM |
Asrar Hiyrden Abderehman | ETH | 1999 | 02:04:43 | ELITE |
Bazezew Asmare Belay | ETH | 1996 | 02:04:57 | GOLD |
Philemon Rono Cherop | KEN | 1991 | 02:05:00 | GOLD |
Kelkile Gezahegn Woldaregay | ETH | 1996 | 02:05:56 | ELITE |
Abdi Fufa Nigassa | ETH | 1995 | 02:05:57 | ELITE |
Merhawi Kesete Weldemaryam | ERI | 1986 | 02:06:36 | ELITE |
Kemal Husen Gebi | ETH | 2003 | 02:06:52 | GOLD |
Birhan Nebebew Tesfaye | ETH | 1994 | 02:06:52 | ELITE |
Berhane Tesfay Berhe | ERI | 1987 | 02:07:07 | ELITE |
Abdi Ali Gelelchu Gelchu | ETH | 1997 | 02:07:15 | ELITE |
Melese Kifle Dendir | ETH | 2000 | 02:11:07 | ELITE |
Demeke Tesfaye Ademe | ETH | 2001 | 02:11:48 | ELITE |
Silas Kiprotich Kirui | KEN | 1992 | 02:12:23 | ELITE |
Bitew Ademe Endalew | ETH | 2000 | 02:18:41 | - |
Weyifen Dejene Mulisa | ETH | 2004 | - | DEBUT |
Haimanot Mossie Delele | ETH | 2003 | - | DEBUT |
Name | Country | Birth Year | Best Time | Status |
---|---|---|---|---|
Thomas de Bock | BEL | 1991 | 02:10:17 | ELITE |
Luck Maas | NED | 1999 | 02:11:47 | ELITE |
Bjorn Koreman | NED | 1991 | 02:10:32 | - |
Alex Kipkorir Kibarus | KEN | 1993 | 02:15:14 | - |
Cheruiyot Koech | KEN | 1994 | - | DEBUT |
Abede Adissu Zewude | ETH | 2000 | - | DEBUT |
Peter Kwalia Kipsirat | KEN | 1998 | - | DEBUT |
Timothy Kibet Misoi | KEN | 1997 | - | DEBUT |
Name | Country | Birth Year | Best Time | Status |
---|---|---|---|---|
Aberash Minsewo Belay | ETH | 2001 | 02:26:06 | ELITE |
Joyce Chepkemoi Tele | KEN | 1995 | 02:20:17 | GOLD |
Shitaye Eshete Habte | BRN | 1990 | 02:21:33 | ELITE |
Shuko Genemo Wote | ETH | 1995 | 02:21:35 | GOLD |
Tigist Getnet Belew | ETH | 2003 | 02:23:17 | ELITE |
Adanech Anbesa Feyisa | ETH | 1998 | 02:24:07 | ELITE |
Asimarech Naga Mengsitu | ETH | 2004 | 02:24:13 | ELITE |
Tigist Memuye Gebeyahu | ETH | 1994 | 02:24:23 | ELITE |
Ayantu Kumela Tadesse | ETH | 1996 | 02:24:29 | ELITE |
Veronica Njeri Maina | KEN | 1989 | 02:24:46 | GOLD |
Zinash Mekonnen Lema | ETH | 1996 | 02:24:55 | ELITE |
Emebet Niguse Mamo | ETH | 1999 | 02:25:25 | ELITE |
Nigsti Haftu Tesfay | ETH | 1999 | 02:25:37 | ELITE |
Aberash Demisse Korse | ETH | 1997 | 02:25:42 | ELITE |
Medina Deme Armino | ETH | 1997 | 02:26:01 | ELITE |
Aamelmal Birara Tagel | ETH | 2000 | 02:26:31 | ELITE |
Shewarge Alene Amare | ETH | 1994 | 02:27:26 | ELITE |
Birtukan Birhanu Abera | ETH | 1994 | 02:32:40 | ELITE |
Enyish Mengie Birkie | ETH | 2005 | - | DEBUT |