Selemon Barega Triumphs in the Seville Marathon
Ethiopian athlete Selemon Barega, the Tokyo 2020 Olympic champion in the 10,000 meters and a debutant in the marathon distance, claimed victory at the 40th edition of the Seville Marathon this Sunday with an unofficial time of 2:05:13. Though his performance fell short of the course record (2:03:27), which he had set as his goal, Barega delivered a dominant display in his first-ever marathon.
His triumph marked the sixth consecutive victory for an Ethiopian runner in the Seville race. Joining him on the podium were compatriot Adisu Tesfahun, who finished second in 2:06:27, and Moroccan Mohamed Reda, who secured third place with the same time of 2:06:27.
The highly anticipated 40th edition of the Seville Marathon lived up to expectations, with Barega fending off strong competition, including Eritrean runners Okubay Tsegay, Goitom Kifle, and Ghirmay Ghebreslassie. Ghebreslassie, the 2015 world marathon champion in Beijing, was one of only three entrants with a personal best under 2:06. The Eritrean contingent was determined to break Ethiopia’s recent dominance, as Ethiopian athletes had secured victory in the last four editions. However, their efforts fell short, and Barega continued Ethiopia's winning streak.
Spain’s Ilias Fifa, the 2016 European 5,000-meter champion and the recent national record holder for 10 kilometers on the road (27:41, set in Valencia), was the first Spaniard to cross the finish line. He completed the race in 2:10:10, though his expression at the finish suggested he had hoped for a slightly better result.
TOP RESULTS MEN'S MARATHON
- Selemon Barega Shirtaga – 2:05:15
- Adisu Tesfahun Tafere – 2:06:27
- Mohamed Reda El Aaraby – 2:06:45
- Matthias Kyburz – 2:06:48
- Shumi Dechasa Leche – 2:06:56
- El Mahjoub Dazza – 2:06:58
- Belay Tilahun Bezabh – 2:06:58
- Felix Bour – 2:07:03
- Koen Naert – 2:07:18
- Mathew Samperu – 2:07:25
Women's Race: Anchinalu Dessie Takes the Crown
In the women's category, Ethiopian runner Anchinalu Dessie Genaneh delivered a stunning debut performance, winning the marathon with a time of 2:22:17. France’s Manon Trapp followed closely behind, securing second place in 2:23:38, while Kenya’s Cynthia Chepchirchir Kosgei took third with a time of 2:23:43.
The women's race showcased remarkable depth and competition, with Dessie leading the way in a strong field that included several emerging international talents. Her victory underscored Ethiopia’s dominance in long-distance running and highlighted her potential for future success at the highest levels.
TOP RESULTS WOMEN'S MARATHON
- Anchinalu Dessie Genaneh – 2:22:17
- Manon Trapp – 2:23:38
- Cynthia Chepchirchir Kosgei – 2:23:43
- Kaoutar Boulaid – 2:24:05
- Tigist Gezahagn Mengistu – 2:24:25
- Kaoutar Farkoussi – 2:25:20
- Meritxell Soler – 2:26:05
- Melody Julien – 2:26:44
- Dalila Abdulkadir Gosa – 2:27:00
- Sheyla Eulogio – 2:27:52
Record-Breaking Participation and Future Prospects
Perhaps the most extraordinary feat of this year's event was its record-breaking participation. A staggering 14,000 runners took to the streets of Seville, making it the largest edition in the race’s history. Last year’s marathon was already among the six fastest in history, with 11 national records shattered. It also became the race with the highest number of male finishers under 2 hours and 10 minutes and the second-highest number of female finishers under 2 hours and 30 minutes worldwide.
Looking ahead to the 2025 edition, participation records have already been surpassed. Women now make up 21% of the entrants, a rise from 17% in the previous edition, while international runners account for 53% of participants, up from 47% in 2024. Additionally, the Seville Marathon has cemented itself as one of the fastest races in the world, ranking as the fifth-fastest marathon globally for elite men in 2024.
With increased international attention and growing participation, the Seville Marathon continues to establish itself as a premier event in the global marathon calendar, attracting elite athletes and passionate runners from around the world.
